The Eight Beatitudes
Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit
Theirs Is the Kingdom of Heaven
Description
The first beatitude establishes the foundation of all spiritual blessing—poverty of spirit. This describes not material poverty but spiritual bankruptcy before God, the humble recognition that we possess nothing of merit and depend entirely upon divine grace. The poor in spirit have abandoned all self-righteousness and self-sufficiency, acknowledging their desperate need for God. This poverty opposes the Pharisaic pride that trusts in its own righteousness. Those who recognize their spiritual destitution receive the kingdom of heaven—not as reward for humility but because empty hands alone can receive God's gift.
Key Verses
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
But to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.
And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified.