14
Now, his own people hated him, and so they sent messengers after him to say, "We don't want this man to be our king.'
15
"The man was made king and came back. At once he ordered his servants to appear before him, in order to find out how much they had earned.
16
The first one came and said, "Sir, I have earned ten gold coins with the one you gave me.'
17
"Well done,' he said; "you are a good servant! Since you were faithful in small matters, I will put you in charge of ten cities.'
18
The second servant came and said, "Sir, I have earned five gold coins with the one you gave me.'
19
To this one he said, "You will be in charge of five cities.'
20
Another servant came and said, "Sir, here is your gold coin; I kept it hidden in a handkerchief.
21
I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take what is not yours and reap what you did not plant.'
22
He said to him, "You bad servant! I will use your own words to condemn you! You know that I am a hard man, taking what is not mine and reaping what I have not planted.
23
Well, then, why didn't you put my money in the bank? Then I would have received it back with interest when I returned.'
24
Then he said to those who were standing there, "Take the gold coin away from him and give it to the servant who has ten coins.'