15. To one he gave five talents; to another, two; and to another, one — to each according to his own ability. Then he went on a journey. Immediately
16. the man who had received five talents went, put them to work, and earned five more.
17. In the same way the man with two earned two more.
18. But the man who had received one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master’s money.
19. “After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them.
20. The man who had received five talents approached, presented five more talents, and said, ‘Master, you gave me five talents. Look, I’ve earned five more talents.’
21. “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy! ’
22. “Then the man with two talents also approached. He said, ‘Master, you gave me two talents. Look, I’ve earned two more talents.’
23. “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy! ’