Matthew 25:14–30

A Story about Three Servants

¹⁴“The kingdom of heaven is like a man going on a trip. He called his servants and entrusted some money to them. ¹⁵He gave one man ten thousand dollars, another four thousand dollars, and another two thousand dollars. Each was given money based on his ability. Then the man went on his trip. 

¹⁶“The one who received ten thousand dollars invested the money at once and doubled his money. ¹⁷The one who had four thousand dollars did the same and also doubled his money. ¹⁸But the one who received two thousand dollars went off, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master’s money. 

¹⁹“After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. ²⁰The one who received ten thousand dollars brought the additional ten thousand. He said, ‘Sir, you gave me ten thousand dollars. I’ve doubled the amount.’ 

²¹“His master replied, ‘Good job! You’re a good and faithful servant! You proved that you could be trusted with a small amount. I will put you in charge of a large amount. Come and share your master’s happiness.’ 

²²“The one who received four thousand dollars came and said, ‘Sir, you gave me four thousand dollars. I’ve doubled the amount.’ 

²³“His master replied, ‘Good job! You’re a good and faithful servant! You proved that you could be trusted with a small amount. I will put you in charge of a large amount. Come and share your master’s happiness.’ 

²⁴“Then the one who received two thousand dollars came and said, ‘Sir, I knew that you are a hard person to please. You harvest where you haven’t planted and gather where you haven’t scattered any seeds. ²⁵I was afraid. So I hid your two thousand dollars in the ground. Here’s your money!’ 

²⁶“His master responded, ‘You evil and lazy servant! If you knew that I harvest where I haven’t planted and gather where I haven’t scattered, ²⁷then you should have invested my money with the bankers. When I returned, I would have received my money back with interest. ²⁸Take the two thousand dollars away from him! Give it to the one who has the ten thousand! ²⁹To all who have, more will be given, and they will have more than enough. But everything will be taken away from those who don’t have much. ³⁰Throw this useless servant outside into the darkness. People will cry and be in extreme pain there.’