Jesus highlighted their attitude toward offenders by relating an illustration of a Pharisee who prayed: “O God, I thank you that I am not like everyone else ​ — extortioners, unrighteous, adulterers — ​ or even like this tax collector ” ​ — a tax collector who was humbly praying for God’s mercy.
Maksukoguja palus alandlikult Jumalalt halastust, kuid variser palvetas: „Oo, Jumal, ma tänan sind, et mina pole selline nagu kõik teised – väljapressijad, ülekohtused, abielurikkujad – ega ka mitte selline nagu see maksukoguja! ”