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"For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard.
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After agreeing with the laborers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard.
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When he went out about nine o'clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace;
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and he said to them, "You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.' So they went.
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When he went out again about noon and about three o'clock, he did the same.
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And about five o'clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, "Why are you standing here idle all day?'
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They said to him, "Because no one has hired us.' He said to them, "You also go into the vineyard.'
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When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, "Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.'
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When those hired about five o'clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage.
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Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage.
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And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner,
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saying, "These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.'
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But he replied to one of them, "Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage?
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Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you.
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Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?'
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So the last will be first, and the first will be last."