The foolish virgins made no provision for their lamps; and when aroused from their slumbers, they found that their lights were going out. They now see the consequences of their carelessness, and plead with their companions for a supply of oil: "Give us of your oil," they say; "for our lamps are going out." But the waiting five, with their freshly trimmed lamps, have emptied their vessels. They have no oil to spare, and they answer: "Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you. But go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves." But while they went to buy, the procession moved on, and left them behind. The bridal train entered the house, and the door was shut. When the foolish virgins reached the banqueting hall, they received an unexpected denial. They were left outside in the blackness of the night.

De uforstandige jomfruer har ingen forsyninger til deres lamper; og når de vågner op af deres slummer, finder de at deres lamper var gået ud. De ser nu konsekvensen af deres skødesløshed, og beder deres ledsagere om at give olie: ”Giv os af jeres olie,” siger de; ”for vore lamper er gået ud.” Men de fem andre, med deres lamper der lige er gjort klar, har tømt deres kar. De har ikke mere olie tilbage, og de svarer: "Nej, der ville ikke blive nok både til os og til jer. Gå hellere hen til købmændene og køb til jer selv." Men medens de gik for at købe, fortsatte processionen, og lod dem bagud. Bryllupsoptoget gik ind i huset, og døren blev lukket. Da de uforstandige jomfruer nåede festsalen, blev de modtaget med en uventet afvisning. De blev efterladt udenfor i nattens mørke.