12 He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.

13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said to them, Occupy till I come.

14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.

15 And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called to him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.

16 Then came the first, saying, Lord, your pound has gained ten pounds.

17 And he said to him, Well, you good servant: because you have been faithful in a very little, have you authority over ten cities.

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

19 And he said likewise to him, Be you also over five cities.

20 And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is your pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin:

21 For I feared you, because you are an austere man: you take up that you layed not down, and reap that you did not sow.

22 And he said to him, Out of your own mouth will I judge you, you wicked servant. You knew that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:

23 Why then gave not you my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required my own with usury?

24 And he said to them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that has ten pounds.

25 (And they said to him, Lord, he has ten pounds.)

26 For I say to you, That to every one which has shall be given; and from him that has not, even that he has shall be taken away from him.

27 But those my enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring here, and slay them before me.