Matthew 25:1-23 ▼

1 THEN the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went out to greet the bridegroom and the bride.

2 Five of them were wise, and five were foolish.

3 And the foolish ones took their lamps, but took no oil with them.

4 But the wise ones took oil in the vessels with their lamps.

5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.

6 And at midnight there was a cry, Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to greet him.

7 Then all the virgins got up and fixed their lamps.

8 And the foolish ones said to the wise ones, Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.

9 Then the wise ones answered and said, Why, there would not be enough for us and for you; go to those who sell and buy for yourselves.

10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and those who were ready entered with him into the wedding house, and the door was locked.

11 Afterward the other virgins also came and said, Our lord, our lord, open to us.

12 But he answered and said to them, Truly I say to you, I do not know you.

13 Be alert, therefore, for you do not know, that day nor the hour.

14 It is just like a man who went on a journey, who called his servants and put his wealth in their charge.

15 To one he gave five talents, to one two, to another one; to each one according to his ability; and immediately he went on a journey.

16 The one who received five talents then went and traded with them, and he earned five others.

17 Likewise the second one, he gained by trading gained two others.

18 But he who received one, went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money.

19 After a long time, the lord of those servants returned, and took an accounting from them.

20 Then the one who received five talents came up, and offered five others, and he said, My lord, you gave me five talents; behold, I have gained five others to them.

21 His lord said to him, Well done, good and reliable servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will appoint you over much; enter into your master’s joy.

22 Then the one with the two talents came and he said, My lord, you gave me two talents, behold I have gained two others to them.

23 His lord said to him, Well done, good and reliable servant, you have been faithful over a little, I will appoint you over much; enter into your master’s joy.