Albert Barnes Commentary Matthew 25:24

"And he also that had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art a hard man, reaping where thou didst not sow, and gathering where thou didst not scatter;" — Matthew 25:24 (ASV)

The one talent. The design of this part of the parable is to show that no one is excused for indolence because he has few talents. God will require of him only according to his ability (1 Corinthians 4:2; Luke 12:48; 2 Corinthians 8:12).

A hard man. A man of a sordid, grasping disposition, taking advantage of the poor and oppressing them.

Reaping, etc. This is indicative of an avaricious and overbearing disposition. It involves compelling the poor to sow for him and reaping all the benefit himself.

Hast not strawed. The word strew means to scatter—as men scatter seed when sowing it. It may also mean to ventilate, to fan by ventilating, or to winnow. Since sowing the seed is mentioned just before, this may refer to gathering grain that was fanned or winnowed by others while he did nothing—also indicating a hard or sordid disposition.