Luke 18:1-19 ▼

1 HE also spake to them a parable, that they should pray always and not get weary.

2 There was a judge in a city, who did not fear God, and had no regard for men.

3 There was a widow in that city, and she used to come to him, saying, Avenge me of my accuser.

4 And he would not for a long time; but afterwards he said within himself, Though I am not afraid of God, and have no regard for men;

5 Yet because this widow troubles me, I will avenge her, so that she may not keep coming and annoy me.

6 Then our Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge said.

7 Would not God avenge his chosen ones much more, who call upon him day and night, though he has patience with them?

8 I say to you, he will avenge them promptly. But when the Son of man comes, will he find faith on the earth?

9 And he said this parable against the men who relied upon themselves that they were righteous, and despised every man.

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

11 And the Pharisee stood by himself, and prayed thus: O God, I thank thee, that I am not like the rest of men, extortioners, grafters, adulterers, and not like this publican.

12 But I fast twice a week, and I give tithes on everything I earn.

13 But the publican stood afar off, and he would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but smote his breast, saying, O God, be merciful to me, I am a sinner.

14 I say to you, that this man went down to his house more righteous than the Pharisee. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled; and everyone who humbles himself will be exalted.

15 They brought to him also little boys, that he might touch them; and his disciples saw them and rebuked them.

16 But Jesus called them, and said to them, Permit the children to come to me, and do not stop them; for the kingdom of heaven is for those who are like these.

17 Truly I say to you, He who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little boy will never enter into it.

18 A nd one of the leaders asked him and said to him, O good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit life everlasting?

19 Jesus said to him, Why do you call me good? there is no one good, except one, that is God.