And he spake this teaching story parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were holy righteous just , and despised others: Two men went up into the temple sanctuary house to call pray seek ; the one a religious leader priest Pharisee , and the other a tax collector sinner publican . The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with his thoughts his heart himself , God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, deceivers extortioners robbers , corrupt unrighteous unjust , cheaters betrayers adulterers , or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week month year , I give tithes of all that I have possess own . And the publican, standing humbly at a distance afar , would not lift up so much as his eyes gaze sight unto heaven, but smote hit beat upon his breast chest heart , saying, God be merciful to me a sinner transgressor wrongdoer . I tell you, this man went down to his house justified righteous forgiven rather than the other: for every one that glorifies lifts up exalteth himself shall be humbled abased brought low ; and he that lowers submits humbleth himself shall be exalted lifted raised .