Matthew 25:9
“But the wise answered, saying, ‘What if there isn’t enough for us and you? You go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’”
What does Matthew 25:9 mean?
In this parable of the ten bridesmaids, the five wise ones have brought extra oil for their lamps while waiting for a bridegroom who's delayed in arriving. When the unprepared bridesmaids ask to borrow some, the wise ones refuse, pointing out that sharing would leave everyone short. They're not being cruel, but realistic: their oil was meant for their own need, and they can't stretch it to cover everyone. It's a hard moment that shows how some responsibilities can't be transferred to others, no matter how much we might want to help. The parable is Jesus' way of talking about spiritual readiness and the importance of personal preparation for what matters most, especially when we can't count on borrowing our way through.