"that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God." Luke 16:15b
"Now He (Jesus) was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart." Luke 18:1
The first one made me think -- am I longing for something that would just feed my flesh and do nothing to bring me closer to God? Here's one I need to put down -- I want to do well financially so I could pay off all we owe and then give tons of money to other people. That doesn't sound bad. It could even be a God thing. BUT, what is my motive? It is what I think God should do so I will do it. There is something very wrong in that thinking! So, I had to repent of that.
But the second verse is such an encouragement -- Jesus never wants us to lose heart. He doesn't want us to get discouraged.