11

And while they were giving ear to these words, he made another story for them, because he was near Jerusalem, and because they were of the opinion that the kingdom of God was coming straight away.

12

So he said, A certain man of high birth went into a far-away country to get a kingdom for himself, and to come back.

13

And he sent for ten of his servants and gave them ten pounds and said to them, Do business with this till I come.

14

But his people had no love for him, and sent representatives after him, saying, We will not have this man for our ruler.

15

And when he came back again, having got his kingdom, he gave orders for those servants to whom he had given the money to come to him, so that he might have an account of what business they had done.

16

And the first came before him, saying, Lord, your pound has made ten pounds.

17

And he said to him, You have done well, O good servant: because you have done well in a small thing you will have authority over ten towns.

18

And another came, saying, Your pound has made five pounds.

19

And he said, You will be ruler over five towns.

20

And another came, saying, Lord, here is your pound, which I put away in a cloth

21

Because I was in fear of you, for you are a hard man: you take up what you have not put down, and get in grain where you have not put seed.

22

He said to him, By the words of your mouth you will be judged, you bad servant. You had knowledge that I am a hard man, taking up what I have not put down and getting in grain where I have not put seed

23

Why then did you not put my money in a bank, so that when I came I would get it back with interest?

24

And he said to the others who were near, Take the pound away from him, and give it to the man who has ten.

25

And they say to him, Lord, he has ten pounds.

26

And I say to you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away.

27

And as for those who were against me, who would not have me for their ruler, let them come here, and be put to death before me.