"For it is as when a man, going into another country, called his own
servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five
talents, to another two, to another one; to each according to his
several ability; and he went on his journey. Straightway he that
received the five talents went and traded with them, and made other
five talents. In like manner he also that received the two gained
other two. But he that received the one went away and digged in the
earth, and hid his lord's money.
"Now after a long time the lord of these servants cometh, and maketh a
reckoning with them. And he that received the five talents came and
brought other five talents, saying, 'Lord, thou deliveredst unto me
five talents: lo, I have gained other five talents.' His lord said
unto him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast been
faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many things; enter
thou into the joy of thy lord.'
"And he also that received the two talents came and said, 'Lord, thou
deliveredst unto me two talents: lo, I have gained other two talents.'
"His lord said unto him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant: thou
hast been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many
things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord.'
"And he also that had received the one talent came and said, 'Lord, I
knew thee that thou art a hard man, reaping where thou didst not sow,
and gathering where thou didst not scatter; and I was afraid, and went
away and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, thou hast thine own.'
"But his lord answered and said unto him, 'Thou wicked and slothful
servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where
I did not scatter; thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the
bankers, and at my coming I should have received back mine own with
interest. Take ye away therefore the talent from him, and give it unto
him that hath the ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be
given, and he shall have abundance; but from him that hath not, even
that which he hath shall be taken away. And cast ye out the
unprofitable servant into the outer darkness: there shall be the
weeping and the gnashing of teeth.'