1
Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart,
2
saying: "There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man.
3
Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, 'Get justice for me from my adversary.'
4
And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, 'Though I do not fear God nor regard man,
5
yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.' "
6
Then the Lord said, "Hear what the unjust judge said.
7
And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them?
8
I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?"
9
Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
10
"Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
11
The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank You that I am not like other men--extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector.
12
I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.'