the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants, and entrusted his property to them.
15 To one he gave five talents, [gold coins] to another two, and to another one; he gave to every man according to his own ability, and he immediately left on his journey.
16 Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with the money, and made five more talents.
17 And likewise he who had received two, he also gained another two.
18 But he who had received one went and dug into the earth, and hid his lord's money.
19 Now after a long time the lord of those servants returned and settled accounts with them.
20 And he who had received five talents came and brought his other five talents, saying, 'Lord, you entrusted five talents to me. Behold, I have gained five talents more than the original five.'
21 And his lord said to him, 'Well done, you good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things. I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'
22 Then he who that had received two talents also came and said, 'Lord, you entrusted two talents to me. Behold, I have gained two talents more than the original two.'
23 And his lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things. I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'
24 Then he who had received the one talent, came and said, 'Lord, I knew you that you are a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed.
25 And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the earth. See, you have what is yours.'
26 His lord answered and said to him, 'You wicked and slothful servant; you knew that I reap where I have not not sown, and gather where I have not scattered.
27 Therefore you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and then at my coming I would have received my own with interest.
28 Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.
29 For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.2
30 And cast the unprofitable servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'
