Jesus' parable of the talents is a good example of the way in which the Bible, especially the New Testament, influenced the ordinary languages of Europe. Many words and phrases in common use are derived from the teaching of Jesus. While "talent" in the parable meant a sum of money, because of this parable it has come to mean abilities that we possess, especially those abilities which are inborn and therefore gifts from God. Thus, the concept has passed into the everyday language in every culture.

The parable has exerted a great influence on Christian spirituality. In prayer and gratitude, we learn to appreciate our talents as God's gifts and so realize that we have a responsibility to use these gifts for our own good and for the good of others.

Whenever we think of our talents, it would be good to remember the words of St James: "all that is good, all that is perfect, is given from above; it comes down from the Father of all light" [James 1:17], then from the gifts come to know the Giver more intimately.