THE FIVE PRUDENT VIRGINS
“Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins,
who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.
And five of them were foolish and five of them were prudent.” [Mat.25:1-14]
Jesus discussed practical applications of the Gospel through every day experiences. Investigating the
Jewish manners, customs and ceremonies of Jesus’ day enlarges our understanding of the parable of the Ten
Virgins or bridesmaids.
Prudent (Greek ~ phronimos) means “sensible and practically wise in relationships with others.” To
be prudent, the bridesmaids understood their commitment to provide light to accompany the bridegroom to the
wedding. They also committed to have enough oil to last through the night. The Jewish tradition held that
the more light there was at a wedding the more symbolic it was of God’s blessing upon the marriage.
Consequently great effort was made to have as much light as possible, guests were required to bring lamps for
light, and the virgins were required to take their commitment most seriously.
Foolish (Greek ~ moros) from which moron was derived is described as “morally worthless, reckless,
lacking insight or common sense, forethought or wisdom.” The five foolish virgins took a lamp “for
appearances sake.” They were irresponsible about the oil needed for their vital role in the wedding. They
were reckless and took their commitment lightly. Lamps were hard to light and keep burning. Olive oil
(symbolic of the Holy Spirit) was used almost exclusively for lamps to be kept burning in their homes by day
and night.
Olive oil symbolizes “God’s anointing.” When Christians receive an anointing [1Jo.2:27] from the
Holy Spirit Scripture is opened to their spirit to understand God’s Truth [Joh.14:26]. The burning lamp is
symbolic of the Divine Presence (fire). Nights were extremely dark and anyone venturing forth at night carried
a lamp by necessity. It was essential to carry vessels of oil with them to replenish their light so they could walk
in safety and help prevent others from stumbling.
The prudent virgins could not share oil from their vessels; it had been committed for a purpose. They
were required to be in readiness for the call of the bridegroom. The foolish virgins seemed indifferent about
their vessels and had not planned ahead. Sadly, the groom came when they had departed to get oil from the
shopkeeper. They missed the procession. The doors were customarily closed and locked when the feast began
so they also missed the wedding feast.
Believers need to evaluate their actions, commitments, motives and accountability to the LORD (and
others) on sharing the Light of His Word. Believers are to show His Light for others to see the Way, the Truth
and the Life so they may not stumble in the darkness.
Jesus is not coming when we choose or at our convenience. People who are only interested in
“appearing” to be Christ-centered should be aware of the consequences ~ they will walk in darkness deprived
of the unquenchable Light of His Holy Word, be left out of God’s Glorious Presence at the wedding feast, and
be left without resources to sustain them or to give to others. We must keep our wicks trimmed and a
plenteous supply of oil in our vessels, allowing the Holy Spirit to ignite our understanding. We must daily
study His Word that we may be approved by our LORD Jesus Christ to the Glory of God our Father.
Personal Examination is on PageTwo
©Barbara S. Waddell, Let Us Pray Ministries, Inc. www.knowinggodinyourheart.com
PERSONAL EXAMINATION
1.
What does prudent mean as explained in THE FIVE PRUDENT VIRGINS?
2.
What does foolish mean?
3.
Why was the door locked?
4.
What does olive oil symbolize?
5.
Why was the oil important? Is it still important?
6.
Why didn’t the prudent virgins share their oil?
7.
What must we do to be ready and available so that we will be invited to participate in the wedding
feast?
8.
What happens to people who are “talking” as a Christian, but not “walking” as a Believer in Christ?
9.
Are you ready for the Bridegroom to return today?