12
He said therefore, "A nobleman went into a far country to receive a kingdom and then return.
13
Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten pounds, and said to them, 'Trade with these till I come.'
14
But his citizens hated him and sent an embassy after him, saying, 'We do not want this man to reign over us.'
15
When he returned, having received the kingdom, he commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by trading.
16
The first came before him, saying, 'Lord, your pound has made ten pounds more.'
17
And he said to him, 'Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.'
18
And the second came, saying, 'Lord, your pound has made five pounds.'
19
And he said to him, 'And you are to be over five cities.'
20
Then another came, saying, 'Lord, here is your pound, which I kept laid away in a napkin;
21
for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man; you take up what you did not lay down, and reap what you did not sow.'
22
He said to him, 'I will condemn you out of your own mouth, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man, taking up what I did not lay down and reaping what I did not sow?