14 »It is like a man going to another country. He called his servants and put them in charge of his property.
15 »To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one. He assigned according to the servants ability. Then he went on his journey.
16 »Right away the servant who received the five talents traded with them and made another five talents.
17 »In like manner, he who received the two gained another two.
18 »He who received the one dug a hole in the ground and hid his lords money.
19 »After a long time the lord of those servants came back to settle with them.
20 »The servant who received five talents brought another five talents. He said: Lord, here are your five talents, plus the five I gained.
21 »His lord said: Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, so I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.
22 »The one who received two talents said: Lord you gave me two talents and I gained another two talents.
23 »His lord said: Well done, good and faithful servant. You were faithful over a few things. I will appoint you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.
24 »The servant who received one talent said: Lord, I knew you to be a hard man. You reap where you did not sow and gather where you did not scatter.
25 »I was afraid, so I hid your talent in the earth. See, you have what is yours.
26 »But his lord answered: You wicked and lazy servant. You knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I did not scatter.
27 »You should have put my money in the bank. I should have received my money back plus interest.
28 »Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents.
29 »More will be given to every one who has and he will have abundance. He who does not have will have every thing taken away.
30 »Throw the worthless servant into outer darkness. There will be crying and grinding of teeth.