Life is a journey marked by choices; some small, some monumental, and some eternal. Scripture often frames these choices in stark contrast: light or darkness, life or death, wisdom or foolishness.

Jesus’ parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1–13) brings this tension into sharp focus. It asks us to stop, reflect, and decide: which path am I really on?

The Dividing Line

In the parable, all ten virgins had lamps. All expected the Bridegroom. All were waiting for His arrival. Outwardly, they looked the same. But when the midnight cry rang out, their true condition was revealed.

Five were wise; their lamps ready, their oil supplied.
Five were foolish; their lamps sputtering, their oil gone.

The difference wasn’t in appearance, but in preparation. Wisdom and foolishness were revealed not in words, but in readiness.

What Makes a Person Wise?

Biblical wisdom is not about intelligence, education, or clever speech. It is about living holy and in alignment with God’s truth. The wise virgins anticipated delay. They stayed prepared even in the silence of waiting. Their wisdom showed itself in foresight, in discipline, and in devotion that didn’t depend on circumstances.

To be wise in the Kingdom is to walk in constant dependence on God, fueled by His Spirit, and anchored in His Word. It is to live each day as if the Bridegroom could return at any moment, because He can.

What Defines Foolishness?

The foolish virgins weren’t ignorant of the Bridegroom. They weren’t unbelievers in the story. They carried lamps just like the others. Their failure was subtle but devastating: they assumed they could wait until the last moment to prepare.

Foolishness is spiritual carelessness. It is knowing truth but neglecting it. It is being content with outward religion while ignoring the inward fire of devotion. It is putting off surrender until tomorrow, not realizing tomorrow may never come.

A Call to Self-Examination

Jesus’ parable presses us to examine our own hearts. Outwardly, do we look like those waiting for the Bridegroom (good church attendance, Christian words, religious activity) while inwardly our lamps are empty?

Take time to ask yourself:

  • Do I daily seek the presence of God, or am I running on yesterday’s oil?
  • Is my faith sustained by intimacy with Christ, or by routine and appearance?
  • Am I cultivating habits that keep me spiritually awake, or am I drifting into slumber?

The wise are not perfect, but they are intentional.
The wise live with eternity in view.

The Urgency of the Hour

The sobering truth is that the door eventually closed. The foolish were not simply late; they were left out. Grace is abundant, but opportunity is not endless. The time to choose wisdom is now, not later.

The cry still rings: “Here’s the Bridegroom! Come out to meet Him!” The only question is whether your lamp will burn bright or flicker out.

Which Path Are You On?

Wisdom or foolishness. Prepared or unprepared. Ready or not.

The good news is that God invites us to wisdom today. He offers the oil of His Spirit freely to those who ask. He calls us to awake, to watch, to live with burning devotion.

So pause, reflect, and answer honestly: Which path are you on?

The wise choose today to keep their lamps filled. Will you?