Trim That Wick

Earlier this week I came across a woman on social media talking about the story of the Ten Virgins in Matthew 25. I have heard or read this story numerous times since I was a little girl, but she said something I had never really considered before. I have always focused on the oil. The foolish young women took no oil with them, and by the time the bridegroom came, their lamps had run out of oil.

You probably know the story, but here’s a refresher:

“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you. Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.” Matthew 25:1-13 ESV

It wasn’t until this week that something else was brought to my attention: “then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.” 

What does that mean, and why is it important to the story? That little detail is easy to skip over, but it matters, big-time!

In Bible times, oil lamps used linen wicks to draw up the oil. For the flame to burn well, the wick had to be trimmed. If it was not, the flame would sputter, smoke, and waste oil. Only a trimmed wick gave off a bright and steady light. That is true even today. I can still remember my mom telling me to cut the wick of a candle before lighting it. I used to sell Partylite candles and would give that same advice to customers.

A wick that is too long produces a larger flame, which burns hotter and can cause smoke or soot. An untrimmed wick wastes wax because the flame burns too hot and too fast. A trimmed wick keeps the flame steady, prevents waste, and even reduces fire hazards.

There is a lot of spiritual truth tucked inside that picture. 

The oil represents the Holy Spirit. The wick is like our daily walk, the part of our lives that people actually see. If we neglect the wick, allowing sin, pride, or distraction to build up, our light does not shine clearly. It becomes smoky, dim, and ineffective.

But when we take time to “trim the wick” through prayer, confession, repentance, and time in God’s Word, the flame of God’s Spirit burns cleanly in us. Our light shines brighter, our testimony becomes clearer, and we waste less of the precious oil God has given us.

The parable closes with Jesus’ warning: “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” Readiness is more than simply having oil in our lamps. It’s about keeping the wick trimmed!

The Bridegroom is coming, and He wants to find us prepared, lamps full, wicks trimmed, lights shining brightly. It’s a call to daily faithfulness, to tending the small things that help our lives burn brightly for Christ. May we be ready, steady, and shining when He comes.