For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder , which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard .
And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day , he sent them into his vineyard .
And he went out about the third hour , and saw others standing idle in the marketplace ,
And said unto them ; go ye also into the vineyard , and whatsoever is right I will give you . And they went their way .
Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour , and did likewise .
And about the eleventh hour he went out , and found others standing idle , and saith unto them , why stand ye here all the day idle ?
They say unto him , because no man hath hired us . He saith unto them , go ye also into the vineyard ; and whatsoever is right , that shall ye receive .
So when even was come , the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward , Call the labourers , and give them their hire , beginning from the last unto the first .
And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour , they received every man a penny .
But when the first came , they supposed that they should have received more ; and they likewise received every man a penny .
And when they had received it , they murmured against the goodman of the house .
Saying , these last have wrought but one hour , and thou hast made them equal unto us , which have borne the burden and the heat of the day .
But he answered one of them , and said , friend , I do thee no wrong ; didst not thou agree with me for a penny ?
Take that thine is , and go thy way ; I will give unto this last , even as unto thee .
Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own ? Is thine eye evil , because I am good ? So the last shall be first , and the first last ; for many be called , but few chosen .
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