What does the Bible say about the wise and foolish virgins?

In Matthew 25:1-13, Jesus tells the parable of the wise and foolish virgins to illustrate the importance of being spiritually prepared for His return. In this parable, the wise virgins bring extra oil for their lamps, symbolizing the presence of the Holy Spirit, while the foolish virgins do not, leading to their exclusion when the bridegroom arrives. This teaches us that mere outward appearances of faith are insufficient; true believers possess the Holy Spirit, who enables them to recognize their need for Christ and to be ready for His coming.