<P> One interpretation of this parable is that it demonstrates the importance of persistence in prayer, never giving up . It is found immediately prior to the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican (also on prayer) and is similar to the Parable of the Friend at Night . Other scholars note that the content of the parable makes no reference to prayer and that the introduction of prayer as a theme is generally inspired by the Lucan construction in verses 6 - 8 and by the fact that Luke placed the parable of the Pharisee and Publican influentially after this one . Whatever approach is taken, it is noteworthy that the judge in the parable does not act on the basis of justice . </P> <P> Luke reports the parable as follows: </P> <P> Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up . He said: "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men . And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea,' Grant me justice against my adversary .' </P> <P> "For some time he refused . But finally he said to himself,' Even though I do not fear God or care about men, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she will not eventually wear me out with her coming!"' </P>

The widow and the judge in the bible