1 "For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard.

2 After agreeing with the workers for one denariusa day, he sent them into his vineyard.

3 When he went out about nine o'clock,he saw others standing in the marketplace without work.

4 He said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard, too, and I will pay you whatever is right.’

5 So off they went. He went out again about noonand about three o'clockand did the same thing.

6 About five o'clockhe went out andfound some others standing around. He said to them, ‘Why are you standing here all day long without work?’

7 They told him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard as well.’

8 "When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the workers and give them their wages, beginning with the last and ending withthe first.’

9 Those who were hired at five o'clockcame, and each received a denarius.

10 When the first came, they thought they would receive more, but each received a denarius as well.

11 When they received it, they began to complain to the landowner,

12 saying, ‘These last fellows worked only one hour, yet you have made them equal to us who have endured the burden of the day and the scorching heat!’

13 But he said to one of them, ‘Friend, I'm not treating you unfairly. You did agree with me for a denarius, didn't you?

14 Take what is yours and go. I want to give this last man as much as I gave you.

15 I am allowed to do what I want with my own money,am I not? Or is your eye evilbecause I am good?’

16 In the same way, the last will be first, and the first will be last. For many are called, but few are chosen."