1 “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins, who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish [thoughtless, silly, and careless], and five were wise [far-sighted, practical, and sensible]. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they did not take any [extra] oil with them, 4 but the wise took flasks of oil along with their lamps. 5 Now while the bridegroom was delayed, they all began to nod off, and they fell asleep.
6 But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Look! The bridegroom [is coming]! Go out to meet him.’
7 Then all those virgins got up and put their own lamps in order [trimmed the wicks and added oil and lit them]. 8 But the foolish virgins said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.’
9 But 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.’
10 But 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.
11 Later the others also came, and said, ‘Lord, Lord, open [the door] for us.’
12 But He replied, ‘I assure you and most solemnly say to you, I do not know you [we have no relationship].’
13 Therefore, 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].