Matthew 25:9-35

9 "But the wise bridesmaids replied, 'We can't do that. There won't be enough for both of us. Go! Find someone to sell you some oil.'

10 "While they were buying oil, the groom arrived. The bridesmaids who were ready went with him into the wedding hall, and the door was shut.

11 "Later the other bridesmaids arrived and said, 'Sir, sir, open the door for us!'

12 "But he answered them, 'I don't even know who you are!'

13 "So stay awake, because you don't know the day or the hour.

14 "The kingdom of heaven is like a man going on a trip. He called his servants and entrusted some money to them.

15 He gave one man ten thousand dollars, another four thousand dollars, and another two thousand dollars. Each was given money based on his ability. Then the man went on his trip.

16 "The one who received ten thousand dollars invested the money at once and doubled his money.

17 The one who had four thousand dollars did the same and also doubled his money.

18 But the one who received two thousand dollars went off, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master's money.

19 "After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them.

20 The one who received ten thousand dollars brought the additional ten thousand. He said, 'Sir, you gave me ten thousand dollars. I've doubled the amount.'

21 "His master replied, 'Good job! You're a good and faithful servant! You proved that you could be trusted with a small amount. I will put you in charge of a large amount. Come and share your master's happiness.'

22 "The one who received four thousand dollars came and said, 'Sir, you gave me four thousand dollars. I've doubled the amount.'

23 "His master replied, 'Good job! You're a good and faithful servant! You proved that you could be trusted with a small amount. I will put you in charge of a large amount. Come and share your master's happiness.'

24 "Then the one who received two thousand dollars came and said, 'Sir, I knew that you are a hard person to please. You harvest where you haven't planted and gather where you haven't scattered any seeds.

25 I was afraid. So I hid your two thousand dollars in the ground. Here's your money!'

26 "His master responded, 'You evil and lazy servant! If you knew that I harvest where I haven't planted and gather where I haven't scattered,

27 then you should have invested my money with the bankers. When I returned, I would have received my money back with interest.

28 Take the two thousand dollars away from him! Give it to the one who has the ten thousand!

29 To all who have, more will be given, and they will have more than enough. But everything will be taken away from those who don't have much.

30 Throw this useless servant outside into the darkness. People will cry and be in extreme pain there.'

31 "When the Son of Man comes in his glory and all his angels are with him, he will sit on his glorious throne.

32 The people of every nation will be gathered in front of him. He will separate them as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.

33 He will put the sheep on his right but the goats on his left.

34 "Then the king will say to those on his right, 'Come, my Father has blessed you! Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.

35 I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger, and you took me into your home.