God Resists the Proud but Gives Grace to the Humble

"And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.  I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalts himself shall be abased; and he that humbles himself shall be exalted.” (Luke 18:14)

As we approach the end of this parable which Jesus spoke for the benefit of those who were self-righteous and despised others we notice a few more truths.

First, both men in this parable, the Pharisee and the publican, went up into the temple to pray. Jesus said His Father’s house was to be “a house of prayer,” for all people. 

Second, both the Pharisee and the publican stood when they prayed.  When we pray the position of the body is not as important as the position of the heart.

Third, both men were sinners, but only one, the publican, admitted it.

Fourth, the publican stood far off, evidence of contrition and humility.

Fifth, the publican would not lift up his eyes to heaven.

Sixth, the publican smote upon his breast and said, “God be merciful to me a sinner.” Of the two men, only he admitted his sin and his need for mercy.

Jesus told His hearers and now His readers, that the publican, in admitting his sinfulness and his need for mercy went down to his house justified rather than the other man.

The Bible says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)