Add parallel Print Page Options

Parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector

Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: 10 “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer[a]: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! 12 I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’

13 “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.’ 14 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.”

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 18:11 Some manuscripts read stood and prayed this prayer to himself.

Bible Gateway Recommends

NLT Children's Outreach Bible, Softcover
NLT Children's Outreach Bible, Softcover
Retail: $5.49
Our Price: $3.99
Save: $1.50 (27%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
NLT Boys Life Application Study Bible, LeatherLike, Midnight/Blue
NLT Boys Life Application Study Bible, LeatherLike, Midnight/Blue
Retail: $49.99
Our Price: $39.99
Save: $10.00 (20%)
NLT Outreach Bible
NLT Outreach Bible
Retail: $4.99
Our Price: $3.49
Save: $1.50 (30%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
NLT Compact Bible TuTone LeatherLike fuscia floral/plum
NLT Compact Bible TuTone LeatherLike fuscia floral/plum
Retail: $24.99
Our Price: $12.49
Save: $12.50 (50%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars