Matthew 25:14-30

For it is like a man setting out on a long journey, who called his servants and delivered to them his goods. And to one he gave five talents, and to another two, yet to another he gave one, to each according to his own ability. And promptly, he set out. Then he who had received five talents went out, and he made use of these, and he gained another five. And similarly, he who had received two gained another two. But he who had received one, going out, dug into the earth, and he hid the money of his lord. Yet truly, after a long time, the lord of those servants returned and he settled accounts with them. And when he who had received five talents approached, he brought another five talents, saying: 'Lord, you delivered five talents to me. Behold, I have increased it by another five.' His lord said to him: 'Well done, good and faithful servant. Since you have been faithful over a few things, I will appoint you over many things. Enter into the gladness of your lord.' Then he who had received two talents also approached, and he said: 'Lord, you delivered two talents to me. Behold, I have gained another two.' His lord said to him: 'Well done, good and faithful servant. Since you have been faithful over a few things, I will appoint you over many things. Enter into the gladness of your lord.' Then he who had received one talent, approaching, said: 'Lord, I know that you are a hard man. You reap where you have not sown, and gather where you have not scattered. And so, being afraid, I went out and hid your talent in the earth. Behold, you have what is yours.' But his lord said to him in response: 'You evil and lazy servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered. Therefore, you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and then, at my arrival, at least I would have received what is mine with interest. And so, take the talent away from him and give it the one who has ten talents. For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he shall have in abundance. But from him who has not, even what he seems to have, shall be taken away. And cast that useless servant into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'