Talent, tolerance and tact: On avoiding the outer darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth: A question of talent

In Matthew 25:14-30 there is the startling parable of the investor who went on a journey, and who, before he left, gave to three of his servants large amounts of money. To one he gave ten talents of silver, to another five and to the third one. When the investor returned after a long time he called the servants to account. The two who had taken risks and realised a healthy profit he rewarded. The man who hid his talent and, therefore, did not even gain bank interest was severely punished. He was cast into outer darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. It is a harrowing tale to those of us disinclined to take risks