Unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others," Christ spoke the parable of the Pharisee and the publican. The Pharisee goes up to the temple to worship, not because he feels that he is a sinner in need of pardon, but because he thinks himself righteous and hopes to win commendation. His worship he regards as an act of merit that will recommend him to God. At the same time it will give the people a high opinion of his piety. He hopes to secure favor with both God and man. His worship is prompted by self-interest.

Til nogle, som stolede på sig selv, at de var retfærdige, og ringeagtede de andre," fortalte Jesus lignelsen om farisæeren og tolderen. Farisæeren går ikke op til templet for at bede, fordi han føler at han er en synder der trænger til tilgivelse, men fordi han mener om sig selv, at han er retfærdig, og håber på at blive rost. Han betragter sin gudsdyrkelse som en handling, der fortjener at han skal finde yndest hos Gud. Samtidig vil den skabe respekt for hans fromhed hos folket. Han håber at han vil vinde gunst både hos Gud og mennesker Hans gudsdyrkelse bliver tilskyndet af egenkærlige interesser