Luke 18:1-14 ▼

1 Jesus propos'd likewise this parable to them, to show that they should persevere in prayer, and not be discouraged.

2 saying, in a certain city there was a judge, who neither feared God, nor regarded man.

3 a widow was likewise there, who frequently came to him, saying, do me justice against my adversary.

4 for some time he refus'd to do it: but at length he said in himself; tho' I neither fear God, nor regard man;

5 yet, because this widow importunes me, I will do her justice, that she may'nt be continually coming to teaze me.

6 observe, said Jesus, that language of this unrighteous judge.

7 and will not God avenge his own elect, who cry to him night and day? will he delay their cause?

8 I tell you, he will speedily avenge them, however, when the son of man comes, how few of the faithful will he find in the land?

9 Then he propos'd this parable, concerning those who had a great opinion of their own justice, and look'd with contempt upon others.

10 two men went to the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, the other a Publican.

11 the Pharisee in a standing posture pray'd thus by himself, O God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men, a robber, a cheat, an adulterer, or like that Publican.

12 I fast twice a week, and I pay the tythe of all I possess.

13 but the Publican, who stood a good way lower, not daring to lift up even his eyes to heaven, only smote his breast, and said, O God, be merciful to me, who am a sinner.

14 I tell you this man went home approv'd as just, and not the other, for whoever exalteth himself shall be humbled, and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.