~
While we're at it, it might be useful to throw in the Ten Virgins too.
It's commonly supposed that the five unwise girls were stupid for not
bringing along enough oil for their light sources. That may be true, but I
rather suspect that their stupidity was scarcely related to the oil and mostly
related to abandoning their posts.
Had they stuck to their guns (so to speak) they could've joined the
procession along with everyone else. They may have endured a measure of
chagrin for letting their lamps go out, but at least they wouldn't miss the
party.
In other words; they let something relatively minor distract their attention
from something far more important; sort of like Nero concerning himself
with trifles while Rome is on fire all 'round the city.
● Matt 25:10-12 . . While they were on their way to buy the oil, the
bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the
wedding banquet. And the door was shut. Later the others also came. Sir!
Sir! --they said-- Open the door for us! But he replied: I tell you the truth, I
don't know you.
The thing is: while the entrance was open, the general public was welcome
to come on in and join the celebration, but once the door was shut and
festivities commenced, late arrivals were permitted inside only if they were
the bridegroom's friends; which emphasizes that the invitation, though
generous, offered a limited opportunity which if missed, was lost forever.
NOTE: It's commonly proposed the oil represents the Holy Spirit, but were
that the case, then the bridegroom would've let the girls in because the
Spirit serves as an ID badge, so to speak. (Eph 1:13)
_