And he spake this teaching parable story unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were holy righteous just , and despised others: Two men went up into the house temple sanctuary to call pray seek ; the one a religious leader Pharisee priest , and the other a sinner publican tax collector . 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 deceivers robbers , corrupt unjust unrighteous , betrayers cheaters adulterers , or even as this publican. I fast twice in the year week 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 sight eyes gaze unto heaven, but hit beat smote upon his heart breast chest , saying, God be merciful to me a sinner transgressor wrongdoer . I tell you, this man went down to his house forgiven justified righteous rather than the other: for every one that exalteth lifts up glorifies himself shall be humbled brought low abased ; and he that humbleth lowers submits himself shall be raised lifted exalted .