"But he who receivedthe one[talent] went away,and dug[a hole] in the groundand hidhis master'smoney.
He alsowho is slackin his workIs brotherto him who destroys.
"Ohthat there were one among you who would shutthe gates,that you might not uselesslykindle[fire on] My altar!I am not pleasedwith you," saysthe LORDof hosts,"norwill I acceptan offeringfrom you.
"In the same mannerthe one who [had received] the two[talents] gainedtwomore.
"Nowaftera longtimethe masterof thoseslavescameand settledaccountswith them.
"Anothercame,saying,'Master,hereis your mina,whichI keptput awayin a handkerchief;
sothat you will not be sluggish,but imitatorsof thosewho throughfaithand patienceinheritthe promises.
For if these[qualities] are yoursand are increasing,they renderyou neitheruselessnorunfruitfulin the true knowledgeof our LordJesusChrist.
