The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer:
‘I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else.
For I don’t cheat, I don’t sin,
and I don’t commit adultery.
I’m certainly not like that tax collector!
“But the tax collector stood at a distance
and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed.
Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying,
‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’
I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee,
returned home justified before God.
For those who exalt themselves will be humbled,
and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
