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