Luke 18:9-14 And he spoke this parable to certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:… With what prominence and frequency he flourishes the big "I!" "I thank thee that I am not as other men." "I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess." The whole utterance contains thirty.three words, of which one refers to God, five are "I's," and the remaining twenty-seven are either commendations of himself, or allusions to others in unfavourable contrast with his own superiority. Self — self — self — in utmost intensity runs through the whole of it. There is not a trace of genuine devotion in the entire piece. There is a marvellous thrusting forward of ego, to which all the references to God, the temple, and other people, are made subservient. (J. A. Seiss, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: |