1 Five were foolish, and five were wise,
All were waiting with heavy eyes;
Five were ready, and five were not,
Five remembered, and five forgot.

Refrain:
Their lamps were not filled,
The wicks were not cut;
The bridegroom went in,
And the door was shut.

2 Who are foolish, and who are wise—
Waiting, waiting, with heavy eyes?
Who are ready, and who are not?
Who remembered, and who forgot? [Refrain]

3 These are foolish, and these are wise,
Waiting, waiting, with heavy eyes;
Some are doubting, and cling to sin,
Some are trusting, and enter in. [Refrain]

4 You, the foolish, hear Wisdom’s cry,
Days of waiting pass quickly by;
God is gracious, but know you not,
Foolish sleepers will be forgot! [Refrain]