He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others: "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank thee that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat 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 who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted." Luke 18:9–14 (RSV)
Nothing the Pharisee said as he 'prayed' was untrue. There was no lie in any of his words before the Lord. He was not like others. He zealously kept the Commandments, fasting, and tithing to boot. It was all true and absolutely useless.
We may commend the Pharisee for his great desire to follow the Law. We can congratulate him on his apparent success in his efforts. We also would do well to pray for his redemption, for he was far from it. The Pharisee regarded God as a spectator, cheering on his spiritual achievements. He had no real need of God. He had it under his control.
The Pharisee was also correct about the tax collector. The man was a spiritual train wreck. He had nothing to lay before the Lord that would remotely be considered holy. The Pharisee knew it, as did the tax collector. The man had no excuse, no spiritual gold medals to offer. All he could do was weep over his sins.
We call it 'virtue signaling,' doing all your good deeds to be seen by others. The Pharisee probably got the praise he wanted. Folk may have commented about his exemplary piety. He was farther from God than the tax collector, who could only hope that God would be merciful.
What will you rely upon, your holiness and piety? Or will you trust the mercy of God?