Should the wise virgins share their oil with the foolish virgins? Were they spiritually mature, emotionally stable, and steadfast in their resolve to deny oil for the other five? The foolish virgins went in search of a dealer who sells oil, as suggested by the wise. (Matthew 25:1-12) As the ten virgins rose to the probable footsteps of the bridegroom and his party, they woke up to meet him. The five foolish found that their oil was over or inadequate to proceed to meet the bridegroom. They were desperate, and expected the wise to be generous, caring and sharing. However, the wise virgins were also mature and did not fall prey to the machinations of the immature and foolish virgins.
Plead: The foolish virgins pleaded with the wise to spare or share some oil, which they had. The wise virgins politely declined, stating that sharing would make all of them unprepared with inadequate oil.
Beg: Desperate to be part of the contingent, they begged, perhaps with tears. It was an emotional appeal.
Borrow: The foolish virgins asked them to give some oil as a loan, which could be returned after the wedding event or sometime in the future.
Demand: “What is the use of friendship, if you cannot help us?” Based on friendship, they demanded that the oil be shared.
Threaten: “If you do not help us now, we will not help you next time. You will be the loser.” The wise virgins did not bow to their threats, either.
Make them guilty: The foolish virgins could have induced a sense of guilt, that the wise did not care for the needy.
Snatch or steal: The wise virgins were vigilant, too. The foolish virgins could not snatch or steal the oil from them.
Give or not give: Giving is good, but all things cannot be given or shared. The oil of preparation is not public property, but an individual endeavor. The oil represents spiritual readiness, the presence of the Holy Spirit, and the life of witness.
Do I have oil in my lamp?