The five foolish maidens are not hypocrites (COL 411). They are “foolish” in that they had not yielded themselves to the working of the Holy Spirit. In this respect they resemble the stony-ground hearers (COL 411; see on ch. 13:5) and the man without a wedding garment (see on ch. 22:11-14). They are attracted by the gospel, but selfishness keeps the truth from taking deep root in their lives and bearing the fruit of a Christlike character (see on Eze. 33:32; Matt. 7:21-27). They will be among those who respond to the “peace and safety” cry (see EW 282; PP 104; see on 1 Thess. 5:3; cf. Jer. 6:14; 8:11; 28:9; Eze. 13:10, 16).

 No significance apparently attaches to the number five, any more than to the number ten (see on v. 1). There were simply two classes of young women in the group. The difference between the two groups becomes apparent as the narrative proceeds, and, in fact, constitutes the distinctive point of the parable.