5When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he
sat down, his disciples came to him. 2Then he began to speak, and
taught them, saying:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven. 4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 “Blessed are
those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. 8 “Blessed are
the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 “Blessed are the
peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10 “Blessed are
those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the
kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people revile you and
persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my
account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for
in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its
saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown
out and trampled underfoot. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city
built on a hill cannot be hid. 15 No one after lighting a lamp puts it
under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all
5
in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so
that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in
heaven. 17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the
prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. 18 For truly I tell
you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke
of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished.
19 Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments,
and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom
of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called
great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you, unless your
righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never
enter the kingdom of heaven.”