In New Testament times, publicans and Pharisees were at opposite ends of Jewish society.

The publicans were tax collectors under contract with the Romans. They were looked upon with contempt and were viewed as thieves and traitors to their people. The Pharisees were members of a religious party who prided themselves on their strict observance of the law, and on the care with which they avoided contact with things gentile.

At the April 1984 general conference, Elder Howard W. Hunter spoke of the Savior's parable about the Pharisee and publican, and the lesson He taught about humility.

In the parable, the Pharisee stood by himself, apart from the tax collector, and offered a prayer that was boastful and filled with pride, thanking God that he was "not as other men . . . or even as this publican." (Luke 18:11.) The Pharisee exclaimed in his prayer that he fasted twice a week and gave tithes of all that he had. (Luke 18:12.)

"His prayer was not one of thankfulness, but of boastfulness," Elder Hunter said.

"The tax collector standing afar off, feeling the weight of his iniquities pressing down upon him, and being conscious of his sins and unworthiness to stand before God, cast his eyes to the ground and 'would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven' when he prayed. (Luke 18:13.) In deep distress he beat upon his breast and pleaded, 'God be merciful to me a sinner.'" (Luke 18:13.)

Elder Hunter added: "Could there be greater contrast in the prayers of two men? The Pharisee stood apart because he believed he was better than other men, whom he considered as common. The publican stood apart also, but it was because he felt himself unworthy. The Pharisee thought of no one other than himself and regarded everyone else a sinner, whereas the publican thought of everyone else as righteous as compared with himself, a sinner. The Pharisee asked nothing of God, but relied upon his own self-righteousness. The publican appealed to God for mercy and forgiveness of his sins.

"Continuing the story, Jesus then said: 'I tell you, this man,' referring to the publican, the despised tax collector, 'went down to his house justified, rather than the other.' (Luke 18:14.) In other words, the Lord said he was absolved, forgiven, or vindicated.

"The Master then concluded the parable with these words: 'For every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.' (Luke 18:14.)

"Humility is an attribute of godliness possessed by true Saints. It is easy to understand why a proud man fails. He is content to rely upon himself only. This is evident in those who seek social position or who push others aside to gain position in fields of business, government, education, sports, or other endeavors. Our genuine concern should be for the success of others. The proud man shuts himself off from God, and when he does he no longer lives in the light."