The Talents
A master entrusts his servants with talents (money). Two invest and double theirs; one buries his. The faithful servants are rewarded; the fearful one loses everything.
Jesus said, 'A man going on a journey called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey.
The man who had received five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more. So also, the one with two talents gained two more. But the man who had received one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money.
After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them.
The man who had received five talents brought the other five. "Master," he said, "you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more." His master replied, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!"
The man with two talents also came. "Master, you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more." His master replied, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"
Then the man who had received one talent came. "Master," he said, "I knew that you are a hard man. So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you."
His master replied, "You wicked, lazy servant! You should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest. Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten talents."'