Jesus told the Parable of the Ten Virgins in Matt 25:
The oil symbolizes spiritual
preparedness.
But, if we look at this story in a literal sense, the "wise virgins" who brought oil for their lamps do not show the generosity or doing on to others that Jesus' other parables emphasize.
Right, but that would be straining the parable beyond its legitimate design. Not every aspect of a parable is meant to have a legitimate interpretation. That's the definition of a parable.
Isn't giving to those who do not have means a tenant of Jesus' teachings?
Right, but here, the oil represents the individual's own preparedness. By definition, you are responsible for your own preparedness. The dealers represent the pastors and teachers who are supposed to help with your preparations. In a way, they may have failed to do their job properly teaching the foolish virgins.
So, why are the ten wise virgins rewarded for denying their sisters?
They are not. They are rewarded for their own wise preparations.
Why do the wise virgins not share their oil with the foolish virgins?
By definition, they can't. Working out your salvation is your own responsibility.
Good questions.
Love Ephesians 5:13-20 But
all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for
whatsoever does make manifest is light. [14]
Wherefore he saith,
Awake you that sleepest, and
arise from the dead,
and Christ shall give you light. [15] See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, [16] Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. [17]
Wherefore be you not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. [18] And be not drunk with wine,
wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; [19] Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; [20]
Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
(We have to remember prior to the crucifixion not one had done good, no not one. Jesus is giving them a parable. We contradict ourselves I think in when our lamps go out, it is Christ we ask for His Light to be given unto us for we are in great need of Him. And what does Christ do? Does He say nay, least there not be enough for you and Me?” Even Paul said what had been given unto Paul of the Lord “I gave unto you.”
Wherefore be you not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
‘But understanding what the will of the Lord is.’ What is the Will of the Lord? A few verses, there is a lot concerning the Will of God.
Mark 3:34-35 And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! [35]
For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.
1 Thessalonians 4:1-3 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus,
that as you have received of us how you ought to walk and to please God, so
you would abound more and more. [2] For you know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. [3]
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication:
1 Thessalonians 5:15-21
See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. [16] Rejoice evermore. [17] Pray without ceasing. [18]
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. [19]
Quench not the Spirit. [20] Despise not prophesyings. [21] Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
1 Peter 2:12-16 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they
may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. [13] Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; [14] Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers,
and for the praise of them that do well. [15] For
so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: [16] As free, and
not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
What is “but as the servants of God”? How does that apply to the ten virgins which all slept? What did they awaken to? If it the Voice of Christ then is it not “
Awake you that sleepest, and
arise from the dead, and
Christ shall give you light.” Awake up to obedience unto righteousness! What is to awake to obedience unto righteousness? What is “arise from the dead!” What does this appear as?
1 Peter 5:2-5
shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion
but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not with greed but with eagerness(what is but with eagerness?) ; [3] nor (not) yet
as domineering over those assigned to your care, but by
proving to be examples to the flock. [4] And
when the Chief Shepherd appears(isn’t this who the Virgins wait for?), you will receive
the unfading crown of glory. [5] You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you,
clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God is opposed to the proud, but He gives grace to the humble.