for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
"Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
"Blessed are those who hunger and
thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
"Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
"Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
"Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
"Blessed are those who are persecuted
because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are you when people insult you,
persecute you and falsely say all kinds
of evil against you because of me.
Rejoice and be glad,
because great is your reward in heaven,
for in the same way they persecuted
the prophets who were before you.
"You are the salt of the earth.
But if the salt loses its saltiness,
how can it be made salty again?
It is no longer good for anything,
except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
"You are the light of the world.
A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.
Instead they put it on its stand,
and it gives light to everyone in the house.
"In the same way,
let your light shine before men,
that they may see your good deeds
and praise your Father in heaven."
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