The Parable of the Talents

14 “For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his possessions to them. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent, to each according to his ability. And he immediately went on his journey. 16 The man who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and [fn]made five more [fn]talents. 17 In the same way, the man who had received the two talents [fn]also earned two more. 18 But the man who had received the one talent went and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money.

19 “After a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 The man who had received the five talents came to him and brought the other five talents, saying, ‘Master, yoʋ entrusted me with five talents; behold, I have earned five more talents [fn]besides them.’ 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! Yoʋ have been faithful over a few things; I will set yoʋ over many things. Enter into the joy of yoʋr master.’ 22 The man who had received the two talents also came to him and said, ‘Master, yoʋ entrusted me with two talents; behold, I have earned two more talents [fn]besides them.’ 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! Yoʋ have been faithful over a few things; I will set yoʋ over many things. Enter into the joy of yoʋr master.’ 24 Then the man who had received the one talent came to him and said, ‘Master, I knew that yoʋ were a hard man, reaping where yoʋ did not sow and gathering where yoʋ scattered no seed. 25 So I was afraid and went and hid yoʋr talent in the ground. Behold, yoʋ have what is yoʋrs.’ 26 But his master answered him, ‘Yoʋ evil and lazy servant! Yoʋ knew, did yoʋ, that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then yoʋ should have deposited my money with the bankers, and when I came I would have received what is mine with interest. 28 Therefore take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten talents. 29 For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. But the one who does not have, even what he [fn]has will be taken away from him. 30 And throw that worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’