1 "Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; 4 but the wise took oil in their flasks with their lamps. 5 While the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. 6 But at midnight there was a cry: 'Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' 7 Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' 9 But the wise replied, 'No, there may not be enough for both us and you; go rather to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.' 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. 11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, lord, open to us!' 12 But he replied, 'Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.' 13 Therefore keep watch, for you know neither the day nor the hour. 14 "For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. 16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them; and he made five talents more. 17 So also, he who had the two talents gained two more. 18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug 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 So he who had received the five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents.' 21 His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your master.' 22 He also who had received the two talents came and said, 'Master, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents.' 23 His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your master.' 24 Then he who had received the one talent came and said, 'Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25 So I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.' 26 But his master answered him, 'You wicked and lazy servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed? 27 Then you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. 28 Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has the ten talents.