Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 25:3

"For the foolish, when they took their lamps, took no oil with them:" — Matthew 25:3 (ASV)

Took no oil with them — In the interpretation of the parable, the lamp or torch is obviously the outward life of holiness by which the disciple of Christ lets his light shine before men (Matthew 5:16). The “oil” is the divine grace or, more specifically, the gift of the Holy Spirit, without which the torch first burns dimly and then expires. The foolish virgins neglected to seek that supply, either from the Great Giver or through the human means by which He graciously imparts it.