⁴⁸ But even in this respect you will be praiseworthy before the Most High, ⁴⁹ because you have humbled yourself, as is becoming for you, and have not deemed yourself to be among the righteous in order to receive^[a] the greatest glory.

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

⁹ He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others: ¹⁰ “Two men went up into 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 thee that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. ¹² I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.’ ¹³ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up 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 every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

³⁶ But watch at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of man.”