17. In the same way, the one with two gained two more.
18. But the one who received one went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.
19. “Now after a long time, the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them.
20. The one who had received the five talents came up and brought another five talents, saying, ‘Master, you handed me five talents. Look, I’ve gained five more.’
21. His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful with a little, so I’ll put you in charge of much. Enter into your master’s joy!’
22. “The one who had received the two talents also came up and said, ‘Master, you handed me two talents. Look, I’ve gained two more.’
23. His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful with a little, so I’ll put you in charge of much. Enter into your master’s joy!’
24. “Then the one who had received the one talent also came up and said, ‘Master, I knew that you are a hard man, reaping where you didn’t sow and gathering where you scattered no seed.
25. So I was afraid, and I went off and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.’