King James Bible
"But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves."
The wise virgins firmly refuse to share their oil with the foolish ones. Their response reflects prudent preparation rather than selfishness, as they recognize that spiritual readiness cannot be transferred from one person to another at the last moment. The wise virgins acknowledge a practical limitation—dividing their oil would leave everyone unprepared for the bridegroom's arrival. In the parable's context, this represents how each person must have their own relationship with God and cannot rely on another's faith when Christ returns. The advice to purchase oil points back to the need for personal preparation while time remains. Though it seems too late in the parable's timeline, this instruction emphasizes that spiritual readiness must be obtained individually and cannot be borrowed in the critical moment.