10. For the Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost.
11. And as they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.
12. He said therefore,
13. And he called his ten servants, and delivered to them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.
14. But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.
15. And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.
16. Then came the first, saying, Lord, your pound has gained ten pounds.
17. And he said unto him, Well done, good servant: because you have been faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.
18. And the second came, saying, Lord, your pound has gained five pounds.
19. And he said likewise to him, Be also over five cities.
20. And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is your pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin:
21. For I feared you, because you are a severe man: you take up what you laid not down, and reap what you did not sow.
22. And he said unto him, Out of your own mouth will I judge you, you wicked servant. You knew that I was a severe man, taking up what I laid not down, and reaping what I did not sow:
23. Why then gave not you my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required my own with interest?
24. And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that has ten pounds.
25. (And they said unto him, Lord, he has ten pounds.)