17. “He said, ‘Good servant! Great work! Because you’ve been trustworthy in this small job, I’m making you governor of ten towns.’
18. “The second said, ‘Master, I made a fifty percent profit on your money.’
19. “He said, ‘I’m putting you in charge of five towns.’
20-21. “The next servant said, ‘Master, here’s your money safe and sound. I kept it hidden in the cellar. To tell you the truth, I was a little afraid. I know you have high standards and hate sloppiness, and don’t suffer fools gladly.’
22-23. “He said, ‘You’re right that I don’t suffer fools gladly—and you’ve acted the fool! Why didn’t you at least invest the money in securities so I would have gotten a little interest on it?’
24. “Then he said to those standing there, ‘Take the money from him and give it to the servant who doubled my stake.’