Misinterpretations often reduce this verse to a mere critique of Pharisees or legalistic religion, overlooking its broader warning against any self-trusting attitude that leads to contempt for others regardless of outward piety; another error is assuming it dismisses all personal moral effort, when it actually contrasts empty self-justification with God-dependent humility, failing to grasp that the passage sets up a lesson on justification by faith expressed through contrition.
Luke 18:9
King James Version (1769)
9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
Luke 18:9 introduces Jesus' parable targeting those who trust in their own righteousness and despise others, underscoring the core truth that self-righteousness fosters spiritual pride and isolation from God's grace, while true righteousness stems from humble recognition of one's sinfulness and reliance on divine mercy, as exemplified in the prayer of the repentant tax collector over the boastful Pharisee.