14
But his citizens hated him, and sent an envoy after him, saying, 'We don't want this man to reign over us.'
15
"It happened when he had come back again, having received the kingdom, that 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 conducting business.
16
The first came before him, saying, 'Lord, your mina has made ten more minas.'
17
"He said to him, 'Well done, you good servant! Because you were found faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.'
18
"The second came, saying, 'Your mina, Lord, has made five minas.'
19
"He said to him also, 'You also are to be over five cities.'
20
Another came, saying, 'Lord, behold, your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief,
21
for I feared you, because you are an exacting man. You take up that which you didn't lay down, and reap that which you didn't sow.'
22
"He said to him, 'Out of your own mouth will I judge you, you wicked servant! You knew that I am an exacting man, taking up that which I didn't lay down, and reaping that which I didn't sow.
23
Then why didn't you deposit my money in the bank, and I at my coming might have earned interest on it?'
24
He said to those who stood by, 'Take the mina away from him, and give it to him who has the ten minas.'