Luke 18:1-13

1 And He spoke a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray and not to faint,

2 saying, "There was in a city a judge who feared not God, neither regarded man.

3 And there was a widow in that city, and she came unto him, saying, `Avenge me on mine adversary.'

4 And for a while he would not, but afterward he said within himself, `Though I fear not God nor regard man,

5 yet because this widow troubleth me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.'"

6 And the Lord said, "Hear what the unjust judge saith.

7 And shall not God avenge His own elect, who cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them?

8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of Man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?"

9 And He spoke this parable unto certain ones who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:

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

11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, `God, I thank Thee that I am not as other men are: extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

12 I fast twice in the week; I give tithes of all that I possess.'

13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not so much as lift up his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, `God, be merciful to me a sinner!'