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