9 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: ‘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.” (Luke 18:9-14 NLT)
What a contrast between the self-righteous Pharisee and the humble and repentant tax collector. The Pharisee thought he was doing enough to earn God's favor and bragged about it. The Tax Collector knew he needed God's love and forgiveness and asked for it.
Humility is a virtue in the Christian faith. Pride is not.
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.” (Luke 18:9-14 NLT)
What a contrast between the self-righteous Pharisee and the humble and repentant tax collector. The Pharisee thought he was doing enough to earn God's favor and bragged about it. The Tax Collector knew he needed God's love and forgiveness and asked for it.
Humility is a virtue in the Christian faith. Pride is not.
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