Matthew 25:14-28

14“1For it is just like a man 2about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them. 15To one he gave five 34talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he 5went on his journey. 16Immediately the one who had received the five 6talents went and traded with them, and gained five more talents. 17In the same manner the one who had received the two talents gained two more. 18But he who received the one talent went away, and dug a hole in the ground and hid his 7master’s money.

19“Now after a long time the master of those slaves came and 8settled accounts with them. 20The one who had received the five 9talents came up and brought five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you entrusted five talents to me. See, I have gained five more talents.’ 21His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and 10faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will 11put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your 12master.’

22“Also the one who had received the two 13talents came up and said, ‘Master, you entrusted two talents to me. See, I have gained two more talents.’ 23His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and 14faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’

24“And the one also who had received the one 15talent came up and said, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you scattered no seed. 25And I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.’

26“But his master answered and said to him, ‘You wicked, lazy slave, you knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I scattered no seed. 27Then you ought to have put my money 16in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money back with interest. 28Therefore take away the talent from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.’