All throughout human history, wisdom literature has been obsessed with two questions:

1. What is the good life?
2. How do humans flourish?

In the “Beatitudes” section of his famous “Sermon on the Mount,” Jesus gives his answer to these two questions, and it’s not what we expect. While the world considers the rich, the powerful, the self-sufficient, and the takers to be blessed, Jesus pronounces blessing upon the humble, the sufferers, the righteous, and the peacemakers.

But Jesus goes even further than that and declares that these are the people who are actually flourishing.

This becomes clear through what I believe is a more contextually accurate translation of Matthew 5:1-10:

Flourishing are the poor in spirit, because theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Flourishing are those who mourn, because they will be comforted.

Flourishing are the meek, because they will inherit the earth.

Flourishing are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, because they will be filled.

Flourishing are the merciful, because they will be shown mercy.

Flourishing are the pure in heart, because they will see God.

Flourishing are the peacemakers, because they will be called children of God.

Flourishing are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, because theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

In that passage, Jesus declares with authority what is the true way of being that will result in happiness and human flourishing – and it’s a way of being that is ordered around God’s nature, will, and coming kingdom.

So, how does one flourish in life?

Be humble.

Respond to suffering by seeking comfort from God.

Demonstrate gentleness.

Order your desires around God’s will.

Show mercy.

Pursue purity of heart.

Live at peace with others and help others do the same.

Be righteous even if it’s not popular.

This is how life is best lived and this is how we experience the best of life.