First, the Pharisee appears. When praying to God, he stands separated from the rest. He knows all too well that he lives differently than many others. They are often greedy for gain, often disregard the law, and there is also much amiss with them in their sexual lives. He has also noticed that tax collector. Oh, he is so much better than that man.
I even fast twice a week and give a tenth of all my income.
Fasting was only required on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:29) and on special occasions (e.g., 1 Samuel 7:6). And as for the tithe, that only applied to the produce of the fields (see Deuteronomy 14:22–27). So this Pharisee does much more than what was required in the law. In short, he considers himself an exemplary person. They were well convinced of that. Yes, he has much to thank God for.
11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayedthus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.