When the ten virgins went forth to meet the bridegroom, their lamps were trimmed and burning. Apparently there was no difference between the five who were wise and the five who were foolish. To outward appearance all were prepared, robed in white, and carrying their lighted lamps. But only five of these virgins were wise. These anticipated delay, and filled their flagons with oil, ready for any emergency. Five of the number had not this foresight; they made no provision for disappointment or delay.

Da de ti jomfruer gik ud for at møde brudgommen, blev deres lamper gjort klar og brænder. Tilsyneladende var der ikke forskel mellem de fem som var forstandige og de fem som var tåbelige. I det ydre var alt forberedt, klædt i hvidt, bar på deres lysende lamper. Men kun fem af disse jomfruer var forstandige. Disse forudså forsinkelsen, og fyldte deres kar med olie, klar til enhver nødssituation. Fem af de alle havde ikke denne forudseenhed; de gjorde ingen tilvejebringelser for skuffelse eller forsinkelse.