Matthew 25: The Parable of the Ten Virgins

Mat 25:1-Mat 25:13 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five [were] foolish. They that [were] foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, [Not so]; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

So, if you read Kari's comment, read on. If not, go here, scroll wayyyy down :-) and read it.

Here are the questions that came to me as I was reading her thoughts-- and I don't know these answers for sure, but it made me wonder, so you get to wonder too! And honestly, I don't consider the lamps or oil being symbolic or the point of the parable, so that isn't what I was thinking about.

1. Why does the bible refer to them as wise and foolish? Not just unlucky, but wise and foolish. Pretty strong words. (All versions I checked either used these words, or prudent in place of wise) (If you question how strong these words are, do a quick review of Proverbs!)

2. How does the response, "Verily I say unto you, I know you not," change how you view the virgins in regards to being foolish?

3. Do you believe that the virgins represent only believers, because they are all waiting for their bridegroom, or that they represent unbelievers and believers because the bridegroom says "I know you not?"

4. The word "watch" is translated according to the meanings "to watch, or give strict attention to, be cautious, active." Do you think this means "to be actively watching/looking for His return," or that "we should live our lives and just not fall away?"

Now, to reiterate: Please, if you are going to comment, pray and meditate on this. Don't just react. See what God is telling you!
And I am going to be guarded in what I allow commented. Different views are fine, but if anyone comes across as being negative/judgemental to someone else, or heretical(!) I will moderate. Thanks for your understanding!