Definition: Then he which had received the one talent 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:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 25:24. It’s a really important and thought-provoking passage about God's care for us. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God really cares about how we’re using our time and talents – the things we put into the world. It’s a gentle but serious warning. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Then he which had received the one talent…” - This refers to someone who has something valuable, like a skill, a gift, or a job. It's not about money, but about something that gives us purpose and ability. “…came and said…” – Someone is reaching out to this person. They’re showing concern. "...I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown..." - This is the core of the verse. “Hard man” means someone who's struggling, working hard, and maybe feeling frustrated or discouraged. “Reaping where thou hast not sown” means they’re putting in effort but not getting a good harvest – they're wasting their time and energy without any real reward. They’re doing things that aren’t fulfilling or beneficial. So, what does it mean for us? It's a call to be responsible with our time and talents. It means: Don't waste your gifts: We should use our abilities and efforts in ways that are truly valuable and contribute positively. Be mindful of how we use our resources: We need to think about the impact our work has on others and the world around us. Don’t just focus on what you get : It's not enough to simply succeed; it’s important to be a good steward of what we have. It's about using our gifts to help others and make a difference, even in small ways. In short, the verse is a reminder that God cares deeply about our choices and how we use our time and talents. It encourages us to be thoughtful and purposeful in everything we do. --- Would you like me to: Explain this verse further with examples? Discuss its meaning in a broader context (like the concept of "spiritual riches")?