Wise and Foolish

In the parable of the ten virgins, Jesus divided His people into two categories. Although this story does not reveal the entire picture of the future as a whole, it still contains some hints and warnings that are worth paying attention to. And if we delve deeper into the essence of what was said, very important truths are revealed that we must seriously contemplate.

The Lord divided these virgins into two groups and gave them names: wise and foolish. To avoid confusing us, Jesus assigned an equal number of people to both groups. We can only guess what the percentage ratio between them will be in the last time. But let us allow our Heavenly Friend to resolve this question Himself.

The wise girls differed only in that they had prepared oil, while the foolish were not in a hurry to do so.

Foolish is one who lacks common sense, discernment, foresight of danger, the one whom the Bible sometimes calls stupid.

But it is worth remembering that the foolish virgins were part of God's people, and it would be wrong to call them completely stupid. They had the fear of the Lord, they knew the truth, they knew where oil was sold and what needed to be given to buy it, but for some reason, they did not do it.

Jesus omitted details of preparation for the wedding celebration, but from the context of the parable, it is evident that the truth for the present time was not a secret for the foolish virgins. They heard it, studied it, understood it, but did not change anything in accordance with it. For some reason, they believed they would always have time to do what they were called to do. These virgins even managed to obtain a small amount of the oil that was so necessary for a trial.

Christ used the image of a wedding to make us clearly understand that a person's faith and knowledge will help them only if they are combined with obedience and doing what is proposed.

The foolish virgins probably represent a class of spectators and listeners who missed nothing, who were fully informed. But the information of the last time was so abundant that the foolish virgins simply had no time for practical steps, so they did not do what their Heavenly Commander advised them to do without delay. They simply did not have the wisdom to act correctly.

I do not think the foolish virgins were flagrant violators of God's Law. They kept all of God's commandments and were faithful to them. They knew the truth and grew in it. But they did nothing to prepare and endure trials for the last time, although they knew what was expected of them. The virgins knew what the oil for the lamp was, where it was sold, how much it cost, and what needed to be done to acquire it. When they were sent to the sellers, they went to them. We are not told whether they bought anything, and if so, whether the oil was genuine, whether there was enough of it. But one thing is clear. They were late. It was too late to correct anything. When my plane, on which I was supposed to fly, takes off from the ground, I understand that something has happened that I cannot change. But it is worth considering the fact that these virgins were late for Eternity, being born from above, having the fullness of light, written in the Book of Life, but neglecting the final preparations. And they remained forever with their choice. Nothing but foolishness can describe this! To be at the heart of Eternity, know everything necessary, dream of deliverance, imagine oneself among the saved, rejoice in the new light, and then lose it all through frivolity!

Perhaps no more terrifying picture could be imagined. Having the opportunity and right to all of Heaven, losing Eternity and becoming easy prey for Satan. That will indeed be great tribulation. But the saddest thing in this story is that Christ says to these foolish virgins that He does not know them. How can this be?! They were in the right church, in the right place, knew all the truth, but missed some details.

The answer can be found with the sellers, in the place where the foolish virgins went when they realized their lamps were going out. The only place that best corresponds to this criterion is Revelation 3:18, where the Lord advises me to buy some goods from Him. Specifically to buy, not just take.

And my wisdom, which the Faithful Witness desires to see, consists of immediately making this transaction, paying what is expected of me, being diligent in acquiring and using what is purchased, repenting of my previous lukewarm state of mind, and opening the door to the One who has come to enter.

Being wise in my own eyes is very correct in my understanding, but it is important that this wisdom corresponds to God's criteria. Everyone can hear the knock and voice of Christ, but few will open to Him. Pay attention to the sequence. In the message to Laodicea, first, there is a rebuke of my sins, which are called by name. Then an exit is offered. I must buy what will solve my problems. After that, there is a call to be diligent in acquiring the proposed goods and in repentance about my past life. Then the Lord Himself desires to have a personal close relationship with me so that I give Him the opportunity to know and understand me. And as a consequence of obedience to all these truths, the highest reward in Eternity is promised, which is now very difficult to evaluate. And after this message, there is nothing left for those who decide to be forgetful listeners. But he who has an ear hears what the Spirit says to the churches. Do you hear what the Spirit is saying to you?

It is easy to determine which group of virgins I belong to. If I listen and read with interest what the Faithful Witness advises me, but do not come to Him with the request: "Sell me what You advise me to buy!" and do not convince myself that the purchase and sale transaction has taken place, then I risk becoming foolish.

Understand, friends, that in this offer, there are far more blessings of Heaven for the last time than can be imagined!!! If I do not understand this, and having realized it, am not zealous to acquire and learn to own it, then No One will come to my door to know me. If I reject God's advice with an offer to buy His goods, in which He has essentially invested Himself, what else does He have to talk to me about? About how unhappy, miserable, and also stupid I will be during the time of tribulation? Is this what the Lord desires? Does He advise me to buy trash since I am so careless about it? How else can I be convinced that the wisdom of the wise virgins lies precisely in acquiring God's goods?

The most valuable thing with which I can pay for this purchase is my time. God also expects all of me and all my sins, but if, in giving this, I do not give my time and simply declare: "Take what you want," the transaction will not take place. In buying God's goods, I must dedicate the rest of my life to ensuring that what is bought becomes mine and I know how to use it. Oil is not given to replenish reserves but so that in dark times it can flow into the lamp and burn in it, and for this, deep knowledge of God and an open heart are needed to let the Lord know me.

And the Lord will gladly invest all my time in Himself and His love.

Questions for Reflection on this Chapter

1. Please read Proverbs 23:23; Matthew 25:1-13; Revelation 3:18-20; James 1:21-25; Ephesians 5:14-18; Romans 13:10-14; Isaiah 5:21; 29:11-16; Psalm 48:21; Proverbs 1:5-7; 3:5-8; 8:1-19; 14:16; 28:26; Ecclesiastes 8:1; 2 Corinthians 1:19-21; Jeremiah 5:21-24 in light of this chapter.

2. What did you understand from this chapter?

3. What differences do you see between the wise and foolish virgins?

4. Why did the foolish virgins not have oil in reserve?

5. Did the foolish virgins know where to acquire oil for the lamp?

6. How can one determine which group of virgins I belong to?

7. Are you prepared to begin buying goods from the Faithful Witness and continue this trade until the Second Coming?

8. Is it worth starting something you will not continue?

9. Why did Jesus tell the parable of the ten virgins?

10. Do you think the parable of the ten virgins carries something very important for our time?

11. Is there a semantic connection in the proposed biblical verses for study?

12. Does this School teach you foolishness?

13. What decision have you made after studying this lesson?

14. Why does the Lord not find mere listeners and spectators satisfactory?

15. Will Jesus come to dinner with those who do not wish to spend their time acquiring goods for Laodicea?