Luke 18:1-19 ▼

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.

15 And as they were presenting children to him, for the imposition of hands, his disciples observing it, rebuk'd those that brought them.

16 but Jesus called the children to him, and said to his disciples, let the children come to me, without any hindrance, for they who belong to the kingdom of God, must be like them.

17 I declare unto you, he that does not come with the disposition of a child shall not enter into the kingdom of God.

18 Then a person of distinction ask'd him this question, good master, what must I do to inherit eternal life?

19 Jesus replied, why do you call me good? there is but one who is good, that is God.