by the five virgins is denoted a five-fold continence from the allurements of the flesh; for our appetite must be held from gratification of the eyes ears smell taste and touch. And as this continence may be done before God to please Him in inward joy of the conscience or before men only to gain applause of men five are called wise and five foolish. Both are virgins because both these men exercise continence though from different motives. -St Augustine of Hippo #coptic #orthodox #churchfathers #orthodoxy