¹⁸ But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.

⁸ For if these things are yours and are increasing among you, they keep you from being ineffective and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.^(A)

¹² so that you may not become sluggish but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.^(A)

²⁰ Then the other came, saying, ‘Lord, here is your pound. I wrapped it up in a piece of cloth,

¹⁰ Oh, that someone among you would shut the temple^[a] doors, so that you would not kindle fire on my altar in vain! I have no pleasure in you, says the Lord of hosts, and I will not accept an offering from your hands.^(A)

² “Thus says the Lord of hosts: These people say the time has not yet come to rebuild the Lord’s house.” ³ Then the word of the Lord came by the prophet Haggai, saying: ⁴ “Is it a time for you yourselves to live in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins?^(A)