The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Maidens

Matthew 25

Matthew 25:1 “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be like ten virgins, who, taking their lamps, went out to meet the groom and the bride.

Matthew 25:2 But five of them were foolish, and five were prudent.

Matthew 25:3 For the five foolish, having brought their lamps, did not take oil with them.

Matthew 25:4 Yet truly, the prudent ones brought the oil, in their containers, with the lamps.

Matthew 25:5 Since the bridegroom was delayed, they all fell asleep, and they were sleeping.

Matthew 25:6 But in the middle of the night, a cry went out: ‘Behold, the groom is arriving. Go out to meet him.’

Matthew 25:7 Then all those virgins rose up and trimmed their lamps.

Matthew 25:8 But the foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give to us from your oil, for our lamps are being extinguished.’

Matthew 25:9 The prudent responded by saying, ‘Lest perhaps there may not be enough for us and for you, it would be better for you to go to the vendors and buy some for yourselves.’

Matthew 25:10 But while they were going to buy it, the groom arrived. And those who were prepared entered with him to the wedding, and the door was closed.

Matthew 25:11 Yet truly, at the very end, the remaining virgins also arrived, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us.’

Matthew 25:12 But he responded by saying, ‘Amen I say to you, I do not know you.’

Matthew 25:13 And so you must be vigilant, because you do not know the day or the hour.