Trading with Talents
Benjamin Keach. Matthew 25:14-30 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered to them his goods.… A trader either trades with his own, or with another man's stock, whose servant he is. Now no man hath any stock or talent of his own, but all their talents which they are required to improve and trade with are the Lord's. 1. Hast thou a rational soul, wisdom, knowledge, and great understanding? It was given unto thee by the Lord. 2. Hast thou riches, or much wealth? It is the Lord's money. 3. Hast thou acquired parts, great learning? This is also thy Master's goods. 4. Have you the gospel and the ministration of the word? It is the Lord's trust. 5. Have you faithful ministers? They are the Lord's. 6. Have you precious talent of time and the opportunities of time? This you are entrusted with by the Lord. 7. Have you health, strength, and advantages to attend upon the word and means of grace above many? All this is from the Lord. 8. Have you spiritual gifts and saving grace? Those talents you have received from the Lord. 9. Are you fathers or masters, and so have authority over families, children, servants? These are the Lord's trusts. Traders ought to know the worth of those commodities put into their hands. Traders must not be timorous in laying out their money. Traders should know where to buy, of whom, and who to trade with. Traders must know the terms on which they are to trade. Traders must know in whose name they trade. Traders must trust, or they will have little or no trade at all. Traders must keep their accounts well. Some traders give more attention to their private affairs than to their business. Some traders break, and expose such that are faithful dealers to loss and shame. (Benjamin Keach.) Parallel Verses KJV: For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. WEB: "For it is like a man, going into another country, who called his own servants, and entrusted his goods to them.