{Unprofitable} (achreioi). The Syriac Sinaitic omits
"unprofitable." The word is common in Greek literature, but in
the N.T. only here and  Mt 25:30  where it means "useless" (a
privative and chreios from chraomai, to use). The slave who
only does what he is commanded by his master to do has gained no
merit or credit. "In point of fact it is not commands, but
demands we have to deal with, arising out of special emergencies"
(Bruce). The slavish spirit gains no promotion in business life
or in the kingdom of God.