Matthew 25:2-15

2Five of them were foolish [thoughtless, silly, and careless], and five were wise [far-sighted, practical, and sensible].

3For when the foolish took their lamps, they did not take any [extra] oil with them,

4but the wise took flasks of oil along with their lamps.

5Now while the bridegroom was delayed, they all began to nod off, and they fell asleep.

6But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Look! The bridegroom [is coming]! Go out to meet him.’

7Then all those virgins got up and put their own lamps in order [trimmed the wicks and added oil and lit them].

8But the foolish virgins said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.’

9But the wise replied, ‘No, otherwise there will not be enough for us and for you, too; go instead to the dealers and buy oil for yourselves.’

10But while they were going away to buy oil, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut and locked.

11Later the others also came, and said, ‘Lord, Lord, open [the door] for us.’

12But He replied, ‘I assure you and most solemnly say to you, I do not know you [we have no relationship].’

13Therefore, be on the alert [be prepared and ready], for you do not know the day nor the hour [when the Son of Man will come].

14“For it is just like a man who was about to take a journey, and he called his servants together and entrusted them with his possessions.

15To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and then he went on his journey.