11
"Afterwards the other bridesmaids came and cried, "`Sir, Sir, open the door to us.'
12
"`In solemn truth I tell you,' he replied, `I do not know you.'
13
"Keep awake therefore; for you know neither the day nor the hour.
14
"Why, it is like a man who, when going on his travels, called his bondservants and entrusted his property to their care.
15
To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one--to each according to his individual capacity; and then started from home.
16
Without delay the one who had received the five talents went and employed them in business, and gained five more.
17
In the same way he who had the two gained two more.
18
But the man who had received the one went and dug a hole and buried his master's money.
19
"After a long lapse of time the master of those servants returned, and had a reckoning with them.
20
The one who had received the five talents came and brought five more, and said, "`Sir, it was five talents that you entrusted to me: see, I have gained five more.'
21
"`You have done well, good and trustworthy servant,' replied his master; `you have been trustworthy in the management of a little, I will put you in charge of much: share your master's joy.'