A wealthy businessman planned a long vacation to travel around the world. He entrusted some of his affairs to three of his employees. To one, he gave $50,000, to another $5,000, and to the third $500, based on their ability to manage the money.
The one who had received $50,000 invested the money and earned another $50,000. The second also invested the $5,000 he had received and doubled his money. But, the third employee put the $500 in a fireproof safe in his home.
After a long time, the employer returned and called his employees to give a report of how they had handled the money he had entrusted to them.
The first came and brought the additional $50,000 and said to his employer, “You gave me $50,000 and I invested it. Here is a total of $100,000 for you.” His employer said to him, “Well done. You’ve done an excellent job of managing the money I gave you. Since you have done well with this little bit of money, I am giving you a promotion and you will be responsible for much more.”
The second came and brought an additional $5,000 and said to his employer, “You gave me $5,000 and I invested it. Here is a total of $10,000 for you.” His employer said to him, “Well done. You’ve done an excellent job of managing the money I gave you. Since you have done well with this little bit of money, I am giving you a promotion and you will be responsible for much more.”
The third came and said, “Sir, I know you to be a very shrewd man. Everything you do is successful and profitable. I was afraid that I would lose your money, so I put the $500 in a fireproof safe. Here it is, safe and sound.” His employer said to him, “I feel your pain. It wasn’t your fault that you didn’t manage my money well.” So the wealthy businessman instructed the first employee to give $35,000 of his $100,000 to the third employee and $25,000 to the second.
The wealthy businessman said, “I have great compassion on those who have very little. From each according to his ability, to each according to his need.” The third employee retired with full pay.