Luke 18:1-17 ▼

1 And He spoke a parable to them that it behooves them to pray always, and not to faint;

2 saying, There was a certain judge in a certain city, fearing not God, and regarding not man.

3 And there was a widow in that city; and she continued to come to him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.

4 And he was not willing for a time: but after these things he said in himself, Though I fear not God nor regard man,

5 yet because this widow causes me trouble, I will avenge her, lest coming forever she may smite me in the face.

6 But the Lord said, I fear what the unjust judge says.

7 And shall not God avenge His elect, crying to Him day and night, and He is long-suffering over them?

8 I say unto you, that He will avenge them speedily. Moreover the Son of man having come, will He then find faith upon the earth?

9 And He spoke this parable to certain ones having confidence in themselves that they are righteous, and despising the rest.

10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.

11 The Pharisee standing was praying in these words, God, I thank thee because I am not like the rest of the men, extortioners, unjust, adulterous, or even as this publican:

12 I fast twice per week; I give tithes of all things so many as I possess.

13 But the publican, standing a great way off, did not wish even to lift up his eyes to the heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God, be merciful to me the sinner.

14 I say unto you, He went down to his house justified rather than the other: because every one exalting himself shall be abased; and the one humbling himself shall be exalted.

15 And they were indeed bringing the infants to Him, that He should touch them: but the disciples seeing rebuked them.

16 And Jesus calling them to Him, said, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

17 Truly I say unto you, whosoever may not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, can not enter into it.