The answer is: In the ground

Matthew 25:18

In Matthew 25, the Parable of the Talents shines a bright light on our attitudes toward responsibility and potential. This tale features three servants, each entrusted with different amounts of money—or talents—by their master before he goes away. The servant who received one talent, instead of investing it wisely, chooses to hide it in the ground. While some view this action as prudent, it actually underscores a lack of faith and initiative.

Interestingly, Israel's backstory reveals that burial for safekeeping was somewhat common for wealth; people used it to protect their resources during tumultuous times. But here, it acts as a metaphor for missed opportunities. In ancient times, talents were a significant sum of money, symbolizing more than mere finances. It stands for our unique gifts and abilities. The one-talent servant symbolizes those, then and now, who bury their gifts out of fear or risk aversion. Jesus’ narrative pressures us to reflect: Are we nurturing our unique capacities to bear fruit, or are we letting them languish?

Interestingly, the fate of this servant raises another point: he's cast out for his inaction! This invites thoughts about accountability. In the community of believers, gaps in stewardship aren't just personal failures; they resonate strongly throughout the broader community. So, digging deeper beyond material treasure, this parable gently nudges us to assess how we embrace and engage our personal contributions to the greater good.