10 lBlessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,

For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 m“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of nevil against you falsely for My sake. 12 oRejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for pso they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

The Similitudes

13 “You are the salt of the earth; qbut if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

14 r“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they slight a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, tthat they may see your good works and uglorify your Father in heaven.

Jesus Fulfills the Law

17 v“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, wtill heaven and earth pass away, one 2jot or one 3tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 xWhoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds ythe righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

Murder

21 “You have heard that it was said to those 4of old, z‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that awhoever is angry with his brother 5without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, b‘Raca!’ 6shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, 7‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of 8hell fire.