For a symbolic interpretation of this verse - white garments are a symbol of purity, and oil often represents a good name or the light of Torah -- Bible -- learning. The message is that one should retain a pure reputation, and that Torah should be studied with the purest of motives.

Literally speaking, suppose you were wearing a pure white garment, and that you were carrying a vessel containing oil on your head. If you took one misstep, the oil would spill over and stain your garment. You would walk very carefully, watching out for anything in your path that might cause you to stumble. That is how we should watch our actions. We should be aware that we have a pure soul, and that there is much around us that can contaminate it.

Many people avoid doing wrong, but they may not be aware of the dangers that lurk in the environment. The media are overflowing with graphic violence and immorality. The lyrics to some popular music are provocative of degenerate behaviors. Fiction writers appeal to the basest human traits. Constant exposure to these noxious influences erodes our sensitivities. Our resistance to what we principally consider evil may be imperceptibly lowered.

It is not enough to avoid evil. We would be wise to consider ourselves in the precarious condition of wearing pure white garments and bearing a vessel full of oil on our heads. We would be wary of every step we take and of the slightest roughness in the road.