But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
Ver. 18. Digged it in the earth] Through sloth and pride; as many today will do no more service to God than may breed admiration among men. Some preachers (saith one) to win applause, set forth at first with such a strife to seem eloquent and learned, that they quickly spend their store; and then, rather than they would be observed to want, they will give over preaching, or else preach once a quarter, to air their learning, and keep it from going to mould. Such another is the miser, like the Cornish chough, a which will steal a piece of money, and hiding it in some hole, will never help herself or others with it afterward.
a A bird of the crow family; formerly applied somewhat widely to all the smaller chattering species, but especially to the common Jackdaw. ŒD