Matthew 25:14-28

¹⁴"For it is like a man, going into another country, who called his own servants, and delivered his goods to them. ¹⁵To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one; to each according to his own ability, and he went on his journey. ¹⁶Immediately he who received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. ¹⁷In like manner he also who got the two gained another two. ¹⁸But he who received the one went away and dug in the earth, and hid his lord`s money. <sup>19</sup>Now after a long time the lord of those servants came, and reconciled accounts with them. <sup>20</sup>He who received the five talents came and brought another five talents, saying, `Lord, you delivered to me five talents. Behold, I have gained another five talents besides them.` <sup>21</sup>His lord said to him, `Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.` <sup>22</sup>He also who got the two talents came and said, `Lord, you delivered to me two talents. Behold, I have gained another two talents besides them.` <sup>23</sup>His lord said to him, `Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.` <sup>24</sup>He also who had received the one talent came and said, `Lord, I knew you that you are a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter. ²⁵I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the earth. Behold, you have your own.` <sup>26</sup>But his lord answered him, `You wicked and slothful servant. You knew that I reap where I didn`t sow, and gather where I didn`t scatter. ²⁷You ought therefore to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received back my own with interest. ²⁸Take away therefore the talent from him, and give it to him who has the ten talents.