Why Were Five Virgins Called Wise and Five Called Foolish?

In the Parable of the Ten Virgins, found in Matthew 25:1–13, Jesus tells the story of ten virgins who were waiting for a bridegroom to arrive. Five of them were called wise, while the other five were called foolish. But what made the difference between them?

The answer was preparedness.

The five wise virgins brought extra oil with their lamps. They understood that the bridegroom might be delayed, so they prepared for the possibility of waiting longer than expected. When the bridegroom finally announced his arrival at midnight, the wise virgins had enough oil to keep their lamps burning and were ready to go with him.

The five foolish virgins, however, brought their lamps but did not bring enough oil. When the bridegroom was delayed, their lamps began to go out. They realized too late that they were unprepared and went to buy more oil. While they were gone, the bridegroom arrived, and the door was shut.

Jesus concludes the parable with an important warning:

“Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” — Matthew 25:13, KJV

The wise virgins weren't called wise simply because they were waiting. All ten were waiting. They were wise because they were prepared for the bridegroom's arrival.

The foolish virgins weren't foolish because they didn't believe the bridegroom would come. They were foolish because they were unprepared when he came.

For Christians today, the parable offers a simple but powerful lesson: don't wait until the last moment to prepare your heart for Christ. Faithfulness, obedience, and a genuine relationship with God are not things we should postpone until we think we need them.

The bridegroom may seem to delay, but Jesus' message is clear: Be ready. Stay watchful. Don't assume there will always be more time.

The difference between the wise and foolish virgins ultimately came down to one thing—the wise were prepared when the moment arrived.