⁵ For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith ^(A)with virtue,^[a] and virtue ^(B)with knowledge, ⁶ and knowledge with self-control, and self-control ^(C)with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, ⁷ and godliness ^(D)with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection ^(E)with love. ⁸ For if these qualities^[b] are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or ^(F)unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he ^(G)is blind, having forgotten that he was ^(H)cleansed from his former sins. ¹⁰ Therefore, brothers,^[c] be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and ^(I)election, for if you practice these qualities ^(J)you will never fall. ¹¹ For in this way there will be richly provided for you ^(K)an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

²⁴ He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be ^(A)a hard man, reaping ^(B)where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, ²⁵ so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, ^(C)you have what is yours.’ ²⁶ But his master answered him, ‘You ^(D)wicked and ^(E)slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? ²⁷ Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. ²⁸ So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents.

³ For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, ⁴ but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. ⁵ As the bridegroom ^(A)was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. ⁶ But ^(B)at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ ⁷ Then all those virgins rose and ^(C)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 answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ ¹⁰ And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and ^(D)those who were ready went in with him to ^(E)the marriage feast, and ^(F)the door was shut.