Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 25:18

"But he that received the one went away and digged in the earth, and hid his lord`s money." — Matthew 25:18 (ASV)

He that had received one... — There is something strikingly suggestive in the fact that those who had received the higher sums were “good and faithful,” and that the man who had received the smallest was the one to fail in his duty.

Failure in using wider opportunities brings a greater condemnation. However, it is a fact of human nature, which our Lord recognized, that in such cases there is often less risk of failure. The very presence of these opportunities tends to bring with it a sense of responsibility.

While faithfulness with very little receives its full reward, the awareness of having only a little can be a temptation. When people do not trust their Master’s wisdom and love in giving them only a little, this feeling can lead to discontent and sloth. On the other hand, as seen with Judas, it can also lead to a hasty and unscrupulous greed for immediate gain.