The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector reveals the grave error of despising others, which stems from self-righteous trust in one's own righteousness. To despise, meaning to count as nothing, reflects the religious egotism that the Pharisees embody, looking down on others as less righteous and thus deserving of God's judgment. This self-righteous loathing is a habitual disdain, where individuals elevate themselves by putting down others, believing this to be the only way to rise above their peers. The Pharisee, in his prayer, exemplifies this attitude by focusing on his own merits and disdaining the tax collector, showing no compassion or concern, and failing to intercede for others before God. His pride renders him bankrupt of genuine care, presumptuously pointing out another's flaws instead of recognizing his own inadequacies. This parable rebukes such self-righteous trust in the self and the accompanying contempt for others, highlighting the spiritual bankruptcy that results from such an attitude.

Brethren, we must guard against the trap of despising others, as exemplified by the Pharisee's attitude toward the Publican. Our privilege, granted through the grace, mercy, and favor of God, is a magnificent gift, but it can become a snare if we do not remain bound to His living Word in all our interactions, whether within or outside the Body of Christ. How often have we thought, "There but for the grace of God go I," not with the humble, appreciative mind of the Publican who sees himself as nothing compared to the Great God, but with the mind of the Pharisee who, though privileged, fails to measure himself against God's standard? Are we truly using God's grace, mercy, and favor with the absolute humility of the beaten, producing what God expects from us, or are we sliding into the trap of self-righteousness? Do we magnify ourselves by comparing ourselves to others we deem inferior because we have been overwhelmingly blessed by God's grace while they have not yet received the same opportunity? Are we looking at those within the Body of Christ and in the world with a self-righteous mindset that does not align with the will of God? We must never allow our privileged position within the Family of God, by His grace, to become a badge of superiority over anyone, whether in or out of the Body of Christ. If we maintain the attitude of the beaten, with the humble repentance of the Publican who beat his breast rather than the proud Pharisee who lorded his position over others, we can fight the good fight and fulfill the responsibility God has entrusted to us.

Despising others hinders the ability to forgive, as it stems from a self-exalted view that blinds one to personal shortcomings. How can a person forgive when he holds an inflated opinion of himself and looks down on others? Such a person, believing he never errs, cannot see himself as guilty of offending anyone and is easily aggrieved over minor slights, perceiving them as deliberate attacks. Forgiveness becomes beneath him, and scorn or evil speech toward the offender is more likely. The self-righteous Pharisee in Luke 7:39 exemplifies this, inwardly scorning a sinful woman and questioning Jesus' discernment, showing no love for either God or the woman. In contrast, Jesus forgives the woman who loved much, while the Pharisee, to whom little is forgiven, loves little. Self-exalting individuals remain ignorant of the need to grant forgiveness, especially to those they deem inferior. This lack of humility and sympathy prevents the merciful attitude that flows from recognizing one's own failings and seeking God's forgiveness.

Many prisoners in the concentration camp harbored deep hatred, despising each other across nationalities almost as much as they despised their German captors. This animosity often led to violence, with some former prisoners seeking revenge by attacking nearby Germans after liberation. In stark contrast, Wild Bill, despite enduring the same horrific conditions and personal loss, chose a different path. He refused to let hatred consume him, deciding instead to love every person he encountered, a decision that preserved his strength and spirit. His choice to reject despising others enabled him to mediate disputes among inmates and counsel forgiveness, becoming a unifying force in a place rife with division and bitterness.

In a society permeated by criticism, we often encounter derogatory remarks and complaints that can wound us deeply. Many today, whether politicians or the press, employ strategies of demeaning others, fostering a critical mood that influences all aspects of life. Solomon wisely advises in Ecclesiastes 7:21-22 not to take to heart everything people say, for we too have spoken ill of others at times. Ignoring such comments is prudent, as dwelling on praise feeds pride and criticism stirs anger or despair, potentially leading us to sin. When faced with criticism, our instinct may be to retaliate, but wisdom dictates we bring our hurt to God in prayer, seeking any truth in the words spoken against us and repenting if necessary. Proverbs 29:12-13 reminds us to avoid bias and not to jump to conclusions, giving others the benefit of the doubt to prevent seeing everyone as a conspirator against us. Controlling the tongue is a constant challenge, as James 3:2-3 highlights, for we all stumble in our words. Jesus, in the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector in Luke 18:9-14, illustrates the folly of despising others, showing that self-righteousness often underlies negative comments, weakening their validity. David, when cursed by Shimei in II Samuel 16:5-13, chose not to retaliate despite provocation, committing himself to God's judgment, trusting that the Lord might repay him with good for enduring such affliction. Jesus further instructs in Matthew 6:14-15 that we must forgive those who wrong us if we seek God's forgiveness for our own trespasses. Thus, we are called to respond with compassion and forbearance, remembering Solomon's counsel to overlook the harsh words of others, acknowledging our own faults in kind.