16
The first came forward and said, "Lord, your pound has made ten more pounds.'
17
He said to him, "Well done, good slave! Because you have been trustworthy in a very small thing, take charge of ten cities.'
18
Then the second came, saying, "Lord, your pound has made five pounds.'
19
He said to him, "And you, rule over five cities.'
20
Then the other came, saying, "Lord, here is your pound. I wrapped it up in a piece of cloth,
21
for I was afraid of you, because you are a harsh man; you take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.'
22
He said to him, "I will judge you by your own words, you wicked slave! You knew, did you, that I was a harsh man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow?
23
Why then did you not put my money into the bank? Then when I returned, I could have collected it with interest.'
24
He said to the bystanders, "Take the pound from him and give it to the one who has ten pounds.'
25
(And they said to him, "Lord, he has ten pounds!')
26
"I tell you, to all those who have, more will be given; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.