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.'
22
"The second, who had received the two talents, came and said, "`Sir, it was two talents you entrusted to me: see, I have gained two more.'
23
"`Good and trustworthy servant, you have done well,' his master replied; `you have been trustworthy in the management of a little, I will put you in charge of much: share your master's joy.'
24
"But, next, the man who had the one talent in his keeping came and said, "`Sir, I knew you to be a severe man, reaping where you had not sown and garnering what you had not winnowed.
25
So being afraid I went and buried your talent in the ground: there you have what belongs to you.'