JESUS: A man going on a journey summoned his servants and entrusted his property to them, according to the abilities of each. To one, he gave five talents; to a second, he gave two talents; to a third, one talent. Immediately the servant who received the five talents invested it and made another five. In the same way, the servant who received two talents doubled the figure. The servant who received one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground, and buried the master’s money. After a long absence, the master came home and settled accounts.
SERVANT 1: Master, you gave me five talents. See, I have made five more.
MASTER: Well done! You are an industrious and reliable servant. Because you have been so dependable in this matter, I will put you in charge of larger affairs. Come, share my joy!
SERVANT 2: Master, you entrusted me with two talents, and I have made two more.
MASTER: You, too, are a good and trustworthy servant. Because you have been so trustworthy in this matter, I will put you in charge of larger affairs. Come, share my joy!
SERVANT 3: Master, I knew you were a harsh man. You reap where you do not sow and gather where you did not scatter, so I was afraid. I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, I am returning what is yours.
MASTER: You worthless, lazy lout! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I did not scatter? All the more reason to deposit my money with the bankers, so that on my return I could get it back with interest. Take the talent from him and give it to the servant with ten. To those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. Throw this worthless servant into the darkness outside, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Matthew 25. 14-30