Contents | Index

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

Lk 18:1-14

Luke 18:1-14

1. Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart,

2. saying: "There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man.

3. "Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, 'Get justice for me from my adversary.'

4. "And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, 'Though I do not fear God nor regard man,

5. 'yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.'"

6. Then the Lord said, "Hear what the unjust judge said.

7. "And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them?

8. "I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?"

9. Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:

10. "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.

11. "The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank You that I am not like other men-- extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector.

12. 'I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.'

13. "And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!'

14. "I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."