NSB(i)
12 He said: »A nobleman traveled to a country far away to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.
13 »He called ten of his servants and gave them ten pounds, and said do business with this until I return.
14 »His citizens hated him. They sent a spokesman to him saying we do not want this man to rule us.
15 »He received the kingdom and went back to check on his servants. He wanted to know what they had gained by trading with the money he gave them.
16 »The first reported: Your pound has made ten pounds more.
17 »He said: Well done, you good servant. You were faithful in very little. Now you shall have authority over ten cities.
18 »The second said: Your pound, Lord, has made five pounds.
19 »He replied: You should be over five cities.
20 »Another reported: Lord, here is your pound. I kept it stored in a napkin.
21 »I feared you because you are an austere man. You take up what you do not lay down and you reap that which you did not sow.
22 »He said to him: Out of your own mouth I will judge you, you wicked servant. You knew that I am an austere man, taking up that which I did not lay down, and reaping that which I did not sow.
23 »Why did you not put my money in the bank? That way I could collect interest when I returned.
24 »The nobleman said: Take away the pound he was given and give it to him that has the ten pounds.
25 »They said: Lord he has ten pounds!
26 »I say to you, that every one who has more shall be given. The man who does not have what little he has shall be taken away from him.