In the parable of the wise and foolish virgins in Matthew 25, the oil is often assumed to represent God's Spirit, yet it indicates much more. Oil symbolizes health, wealth, fruitfulness, abundance, vitality, and the good life. For people in the Middle East, oil had the value of gold. Oil played a major role in the transforming of Jacob from a scoundrel to a patriarch. Oil constitutes a symbol of spiritual preparation in the parable of the wise and foolish virgins. We are admonished to enter into a covenantal relationship with God Almighty, spending our lives in fellowshipping with Him, attaining riches which can never accrue from worldly pursuits. We must invest time getting to know Him, putting ourselves in alignment with a spiritual life. We cannot wait until the Bridegroom returns before we actively build a relationship with God. Spiritual richness accrues because we are actively seeking Him, spending our time and life in this endeavor.