He proceeds to recount his good deeds: "I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess." The religion of the Pharisee does not touch the soul. He is not seeking Godlikeness of character, a heart filled with love and mercy. He is satisfied with a religion that has to do only with outward life. His righteousness is his own--the fruit of his own works--and judged by a human standard.

Han fortsætter med at opregne sine gode gerninger: "Jeg faster to gange om ugen, jeg giver tiende af hele min indtægt." Farisæerens religion berører ikke hjertet. Han søger ikke at blive Gud lig i karakter at have et kærligt og medlidende hjerte. Han er tilfreds med at have en religion, som kun berører det udvortes menneske. Hans retfærdighed er hans egen, frugten af hans egne gerninger bedømt efter menneskers målestok.