18. But the man who had received $2,000 went and dug a hole in the ground. He hid his master's money in it.
19. "After a long time the master of those servants returned. He wanted to collect all the money they had earned.
20. The man who had received $10,000 brought the other $10,000. 'Master,' he said, 'you trusted me with $10,000. See, I have earned $10,000 more.'
21. "His master replied, 'You have done well, 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!'
22. "The man with $4,000 also came. 'Master,' he said, 'you trusted me with $4,000. See, I have earned $4,000 more.'
23. "His master replied, 'You have done well, 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!'
24. "Then the man who had received $2,000 came. 'Master,' he said, 'I knew that you are a hard man. You harvest where you have not planted. You gather crops where you have not scattered seed.
25. So I was afraid. I went out and hid your $2,000 in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.'
26. "His master replied, 'You evil, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not planted? You knew that I gather crops where I have not scattered seed?
27. Well then, you should have put my money in the bank. When I returned, I would have received it back with interest.'
28. "Then his master commanded the other servants, 'Take the $2,000 from him. Give it to the one who has $20,000.
29. Everyone who has will be given more. He will have more than enough. And what about anyone who doesn't have? Even what he has will be taken away from him.