Beatitudes: Matthew 5:1-12: A paraphrase

When Jesus saw the crowds which surrounded him, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:

“Honoured are those who have no sense of entitlement,

for God's culture is their culture.

 Honoured are those who grieve,

for they will be comforted.

 Honoured are the nonviolent,

for they will inherit the earth.

 Honoured are those who hunger and thirst for justice,

for they will be satisfied.

 Honoured are the compassionate,

for they will receive compassion.

 Honoured are the contemplative,

for they will encounter God.

 Honoured are the peacemakers,

for they will be called children of God.

 Honoured are those who are persecuted for justice’s sake,

for God's culture is their culture.

 Honoured are you when people revile you and persecute you and speak all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in God's reality, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”