9 He spake this parable - Not to hypocrites; the Pharisee here
mentioned was no hypocrite, no more than an outward adulterer: but he sincerely
trusted in himself that he was righteous, and accordingly told God so,
in the prayer which none but God heard.
12 I fast twice in the week - So did all the strict Pharisees: every
Monday and Thursday. I give tithes of all that I possess - Many of them
gave one full tenth of their income in tithes, and another tenth in alms.
the sum of this plea is, I do no harm: I use all the means of grace: I
do all the good I can.
13 The publican standing afar off - From the holy of holies, would not
so much as lift up his eyes to heaven - Touched with shame, which is more
ingenuous than fear.
14 This man went down - From the hill on which the temple stood, justified
rather than the other - That is, and not the other.
