The Parable of the Talents

For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.

And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightaway took his journey.

Then he that had received the five talents went and traded on the stock market. But that year was a bad year for the economy: the market crashed, and he lost every talent he had.

In the meantime he that had received two properly read the market and took advantage of the situation, making two more talents beside. And likewise he that had received one, he also gained one other.

After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.

So he that had received two talents came and brought two others, saying, "Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained beside them two talents more."

His Lord said unto him, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord."

And likewise he that had received one talent was also rewarded by his Lord.

Then he which had received five talents came and said, "Lord... why? Why was I given great ability if I was only going to use it to lose all the talents you trusted to me?" And the man knelt down and wept bitterly at his master's loss; or perhaps more truthfully, at his own failure.