The Pharisee and the Publican

Luk 18:9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
Luk 18:10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
Luk 18:11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
Luk 18:12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
Luk 18:13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
Luk 18:14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

A parable concerning certain which trusted in themselves; the self righteous. The example was a Pharisee that received honor in the world of religion. The temple was his familiar abiding place. He was confident in his works and his position of honor and authority. Another man, a publican, a tax collector whose profession and works were disliked by most entered the temple to pray to God. He was despised by the Pharisee who compared others to himself, and most others were considered as losers and sinners. He was not in the temple to pray to God for his sins. He did not think that he had sins. The publican was well aware of his sins, crying out humbly to God to be merciful to himself, a sinner. The Pharisee trusted in his own works. He was proud, vain and judgmental. In truth, the Pharisee was unrighteous in his heart. The Publican left justified and forgiven.

The humble shall be exalted. Sometimes when exalted or successful in serving the LORD, then we become as the Pharisee. The exalted shall be humbled. We are to stay humble, especially in concern to our own works. We are to trust in God, giving him all honor and glory. Loving the lost, forgiving them, witnessing to them with all humility.

1Co 2:3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
1Co 2:4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
1Co 2:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.