1. What has been given to every man?
For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Mark 13:34

2. Besides work, what else has he given to every man?
And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Matt. 25:15

3. Who comprises the "every man" here spoken of?
For the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. Matt. 25:14

4. Do all who profess to be God's servants make a good use of the talents given them?
Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. Matt. 25:16-18

5. What did that one who hid his talent in the earth, render as an excuse for doing so?
And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. Matt. 25:25

6. What did his master say to that servant because he hid his talent?
His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant... Matt. 25:26

7. What did he say the servant ought, at least, to have done with the talent?
Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Matt. 25:27 This shows that the Lord expects every one, even him who has the smallest talent, to improve it for the Master.

8. What is characteristic of slothful people?
The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets. Prov. 22:13 That is, they see great obstacles before them, and are always ready with excuse.

9. The man in the parable was afraid as well, because he said his master was a hard man. But was it real, honest fear that made him act as he did?
And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow: Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury? Luke 19:22,23
Note-- The Lord shows that if that servant had really been afraid of his master, he would have done what was expected of him. The fact that he acted as he did, showed rather that he did not care for the interest of his master. This is a universal rule; that people who make excuses for not working in the service of the Master, only when they desire to pursue a course more to their own liking. The talents given include all their abilities of both mind and means, with which to help on the work of God. These ought to be so invested to continually to add to the kingdom of God here on earth. The man in the parable was probably diligent enough in his own affairs; but this was not enough: he must use the proceeds of his diligence to build up the interest of the Lord's work in the earth.

10. What was the fate of the slothful servant?
The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing. Prov. 20:4 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matt. 25:30
Note---He finally lost all that was substantial, and worth living for. His whole life was pronounced failure. Oh let us not have such a pronouncement given towards us. Let us have a heart full of joy towards our loving Master, for He and He alone has given us all we have. Out of a heart of thankfulness and love let us sow and reap a bountiful harvest, unto our most gracious and loving Master and King.