Parable of the Talents (new american revised version)

by: William Allen Simpson

Sun Aug 31, 2008 at 13:26:50 PM EDT

Unto Yochanan was given five talents, to Michaela two, and to Baruch another one; to each according to their heritage; and straightway took his journey.

For Baruch was the child of a poor woman, abandoned and divorced, but industrious and wise, and her parents likewise; by dint of alms, frugality, and long labour, he excelled in his study, and leadeth among the learned of the law. Giving thanks for his blessings, he escheweth riches, in service to the families of the poor and needy.

And Michaela was the child of two parents, although her father had a wasting disease, but took upon himself extra labour, striving according to his working; she was the product of a public school education, she excelled in her study, with honour among the learned of the law.

Now Yochanan was by far the eldest, the scion of an illustrious and wealthy family; he attended an all-male posh school under one Ravenel III of Alexandria, yet learned not the honor code; he ranketh among the least of the Naval warriors, and wasted his substance with riotous living and nocturnal perambulations.

So the hand of God hath gone against him, and he was struck down, and delivered into the hand of his enemies, who vexed him. And his wife was stricken likewise, and her beauty taken from her.

Yet he turned not from his wickedness. He abandoned and divorced his afflicted wife, enjoying the pleasures of a young wealthy strumpet.

After a long time the master of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.

And so Baruch came, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me one talent: behold, I have gained beside this nine talents more.

Their master said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Michaela also came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained eight other talents beside them. And have joined with Baruch as his wife, and we are one flesh.

Their master said unto her, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Then Yochanan came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:

Thus I was thy most faithful servant, taking that which I earneth not, seducing a wealthy heiress; she hath disinherited her sisters, and hath purchased me a high office among the princes and mighty men; I remember not the number of her talents.

His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou thinkest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:

Take therefore everything from him, and give it unto them that hath twenty talents together.

For the labourer is worthy of his reward; unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.

And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

For I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, committeth adultery; and whosoever shall marry him that is divorced committeth adultery.

Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.

And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.

[updated language]