28 There was a widow who oft implored the judge to right her wrongs and to avenge her foes.
29 At first the judge would hear her not, but after many days he said,
30 I fear not God, and I regard not man, yet, lest this widow wear me out by pleading every day I will avenge her on her foes.
31 When the disciples asked the meaning of this parable, the Lord replied, The wise can understand; the foolish have no need to know.
32 And then to teach a lesson unto certain of his followers who trusted in themselves and thought that they were holier than other men, he told this parable:
33 Two men went to the synagogue to pray; one was a Pharisee, the other was a publican.
34 The Pharisee stood forth and prayed thus with himself, O God, I thank thee that I am not like other men, who are extortioners, unjust, adulterers;
35 Not even like this publican. I fast two times a week, and I give tithes of all I get.
36 The publican came not a-near; he would not lift his eyes to heaven, but smote his breast and said,
37 O Lord, be merciful to me; I am a sinner in thy sight; I am undone.