The Parable of The Ten Virgins
(Matthew
25:1-13) "At
that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps
and went out to meet the bridegroom. {2} Five of
them were foolish and five were wise. {3} The foolish ones took
their lamps but did not take any oil with them. {4} The wise, however, took
oil in jars along with their lamps. {5} The bridegroom was a
long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. {6} "At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom!
Come out to meet him!' {7} "Then
all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. {8} The
foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going
out.' {9} "'No,' they replied, 'there may
not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy
some for yourselves.' {10} "But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the
bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding
banquet. And the door was shut. {11} "Later
the others also came. 'Sir! Sir!' they said. 'Open the
door for us!' {12} "But he replied, 'I tell
you the truth, I don't know you.' {13} "Therefore
keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.