The Parable of the Talents

Jesus told of a man going to another country. Before leaving, he called his own servants and entrusted his goods to them. He gave one servant five talents, another two, and another one, giving to each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey.

The servant with five talents went at once and traded with them, gaining five more. The servant with two talents also gained another two. But the servant who had received one talent went away, dug in the earth, and hid his lord's money.

After a long time, the lord of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The servant with five talents came bringing five more. His lord praised him as good and faithful, said he had been faithful over a few things, and promised to set him over many things and welcome him into his joy.

Then the servant with two talents came and brought another two. He received the same praise and welcome. After that, the servant with one talent came and said he had been afraid, so he hid the talent in the earth and returned only what had first been given to him.

His lord called that servant wicked and slothful. He said the money should at least have been placed with the bankers, so it could be returned with interest. The talent was taken from him and given to the servant with ten talents. Jesus ended the parable with a warning about loss and outer darkness, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. What are we doing with what has been entrusted to us?