The Parable of the Ten Virgins

25 “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like^(A) ten virgins who took their lamps^(B) and went out to meet the bridegroom.^{(C) 2} Five of them were foolish and five were wise.^{(D) 3} The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. ⁴ The wise ones, 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.^(E)

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.’^(F)

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.^(G) And the door was shut.

¹¹ “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’

¹² “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’^(H)

¹³ “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.^(I)

⁶ Be strong and courageous.^(A) Do not be afraid or terrified^(B) because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you;^(C) he will never leave you^(D) nor forsake^(E) you.”

⁵ No one will be able to stand against you^(A) all the days of your life. As I was with^(B) Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake^(C) you.

¹⁸ I will not leave you as orphans;^(A) I will come to you.^(B)

⁵ Keep your lives free from the love of money^(A) and be content with what you have,^(B) because God has said,

Psalm 121

A song of ascents.