Charles Ellicott 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)

I knew thee that thou art an hard man — The word “hard” points to a rigid character, while Luke’s term “austere” suggests harshness and bitterness. Was this plea an afterthought, put forward as an excuse for what was originally pure and simple laziness? On that view, the lesson is that neglecting loyal service eventually leads to disloyal thoughts.

However, it may have been our Lord’s intention to portray the lazy servant as having cherished this thought all along, the very one he now offers as his defense. This would mean it had been at the root of his neglect. The eye can only see what it is capable of seeing; therefore, the servant had never perceived generous love or justice in his master's rewards.

The proverb, One soweth, another reapeth (John 4:37), when taken on its darker and more worldly side, seemed to him to be the rule of his master’s conduct. In the same way, the thought sometimes springs up in people's souls that the inconsistencies of earthly rule are also found in God's rule. They begin to think that He, too, is arbitrary, vindictive, and pitiless, like an earthly king. And that thought, just as it kills love, also paralyzes the energy that depends on love.

We might believe, extending this line of thought, that the heart of the Traitor was full of envy and bitterness. This was because of his low standing among the Twelve and because he thought harshly of his Master, who treated him this way and yet still expected faithful service.