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What does the Bible say about god-given talents?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that every ability and opportunity is a gift from God, entrusted to us for his glory and the good of others. In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus calls his servants to faithful stewardship, not comparison, since each receives according to God’s wise purpose. Exodus 35:31 shows that God gives skill for particular work, while Romans 12:6 and 1 Peter 4:10-11 urge believers to use differing gifts humbly as stewards of God’s grace. Our service is not self-exalting, for apart from Christ we can do nothing (John 15:5). Therefore, whether in ordinary work or public ministry, believers should labor diligently and thankfully, doing all for God’s glory (1 Corinthians 10:31).

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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Matthew 25:14-30

    [14] "For it is like a man, going into another country, who called his own servants, and entrusted his goods to them. [15] To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one; to each according to his own ability. Then he went on his journey. [16] Immediately he who received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. [17] In like manner he also who got the two gained another two. [18] But he who received the one went away and dug in the earth, and hid his lord's money. [19] "Now after a long time the lord of those servants came, and reconciled accounts with them. [20] He who received the five talents came and brought another five talents, saying, 'Lord, you delivered to me five talents. Behold, I have gained another five talents besides them.' [21] "His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' [22] "He also who got the two talents came and said, 'Lord, you delivered to me two talents. Behold, I have gained another two talents besides them.' [23] "His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' [24] "He also who had received the one talent came and said, 'Lord, I knew you that you are a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter. [25] I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the earth. Behold, you have what is yours.' [26] "But his lord answered him, 'You wicked and slothful servant. You knew that I reap where I didn't sow, and gather where I didn't scatter. [27] You ought therefore to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received back my own with interest. [28] Take away therefore the talent from him, and give it to him who has the ten talents. [29] For to everyone who has will be given, and he will have abundance, but from him who has not, even that which he has will be taken away. [30] Throw out the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

  • Exodus 35:31

    He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship;

  • 1 Corinthians 10:31

    Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

  • Romans 12:6

    Having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, if prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith;

  • 1 Peter 4:10

    According as each has received a gift, be ministering it among yourselves, as good stewards of the grace of God in its various forms.

  • Romans 12:2

    Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.

  • 2 Timothy 2:15

    Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn't need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth.

  • John 15:5

    I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me, and I in him, the same bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

  • Matthew 25:15

    To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one; to each according to his own ability. Then he went on his journey.

  • 1 Peter 4:10-11

    [10] According as each has received a gift, be ministering it among yourselves, as good stewards of the grace of God in its various forms. [11] If any man speaks, let it be as it were oracles of God. If any man serves, let it be as of the strength which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

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