18 ⁹ And here is another parable that he told. It was aimed at those who were sure of their own goodness and looked down on everyone else. 18 ¹⁰ 'Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax-gatherer. 18 ¹¹ The Pharisee stood up and prayed thus: Some witnesses read: stood by himself and prayed thus; others read: stood up and prayed thus privately. "I thank thee, O God, that I am not like the rest of men, greedy, dishonest, adulterous; or, for that matter, like this tax-gatherer. 18 ¹² I fast twice a week; I pay tithes on all that I get." 18 ¹³ But the other kept his distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven, but beat upon his breast, saying, "O God, have mercy on me, sinner that I am." 18 ¹⁴ It was this man, I tell you, and not the other, who went home acquitted of his sins. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled; and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.'