18
But the man with the single thousand dug a hole and carefully buried his master's money.
19
"After a long absence, the master of those three servants came back and settled up with them.
20
The one given five thousand dollars showed him how he had doubled his investment.
21
His master commended him: 'Good work! You did your job well. From now on be my partner.'
22
"The servant with the two thousand showed how he also had doubled his master's investment.
23
His master commended him: 'Good work! You did your job well. From now on be my partner.'
24
"The servant given one thousand said, 'Master, I know you have high standards and hate careless ways, that you demand the best and make no allowances for error.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.