Luke 19:13-24 ▼

13 And, calling ten servants of his, he gave them ten pounds, and said to them, 'Do business till I come.'

14 But his citizens were hating him, and sent an embassy after him, saying, 'We do not wish this man to be king over us.'

15 And it came to pass, when he came back, having received the kingdom, that he commanded the servants to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know what they accomplished in business.

16 "And the first came before him, saying, 'Lord, your pound gained ten pounds.'

17 And he said to him, 'Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.'

18 And the second came, saying, 'Lord, your pound gained five pounds.'

19 And he said also to this man, 'Be thou also over five cities.'

20 And the other came, saying, 'Lord, behold, your pound which I had lying away in a napkin;

21 for I feared you, because you are a harsh man; you take up what you did not lay down, and reap what you did not sow.'

22 He says to him, 'Out of your own mouth will I judge you, O evil servant! You knew that I am a harsh man, taking up what I did not lay down, and reaping where I did not sow;

23 and wherefore did you not put my money in bank; and I, at my coming, would have exacted it with interest.'

24 And he said to those standing by, 'Take away from him the pound, and give it to him who has the ten pounds.'