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“Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids 1 who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom.
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Five of them were foolish, and five were wise.
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The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps,
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but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil.
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When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
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“At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’
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“All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps.
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Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’
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“But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’
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“But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked.
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Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’
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“But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’
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“So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.