14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered to them his goods.

15 And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his own ability; and immediately took his journey. talents: a talent is one hundred and eighty seven pounds ten shillings

16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and gained other five talents.

17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.

18 But he that had received one went and dug in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.

19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.

20 And he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou didst deliver to me five talents: behold, I have gained besides them five talents more.

21 His lord said to him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou didst deliver to me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents besides them.

23 His lord said to him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

24 Then he who had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not scattered seed:

25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast what is thine.

26 His lord answered and said to him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed:

27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money in the bank, and then at my coming I should have received my own with interest.

28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it to him who hath ten talents.

29 For to every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.

30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.