Kahlil Gibran, author of The Prophet, paraphrases the Beatitudes beautifully:

‘Blessed are the serene in spirit.
Blessed are they who are not held by possessions for they shall be free.
Blessed are they who remember their pain, and in their pain await their joy.
Blessed are they who hunger after truth and beauty, for their hunger shall bring bread, and their thirst cool water.
Blessed are the kindly, for they shall be consoled by their own kindliness.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall be one with God.
Blessed are the merciful, for mercy shall be in their portion.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for their spirit shall dwell above the battle, and they shall turn the potter’s field into a garden.
Blessed are they who are hunted, for they shall be swift of foot and they shall be winged.
Rejoice and be joyful, for you have found the kingdom of heaven within you.’

Jesus the Son of Man p46