Matthew
Chapter 25: 1-13
The Parable of the Ten Virgins
1"At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took
their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2Five of them were foolish and
five were wise. 3The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil
with them. 4The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5The
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. 8The
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.
