The eight “Beatitudes” of Mat 5:3-12 are best understood and interpreted by the eight contrasts, or “Woes” of Mat 23:13-33:

THE BEATITUDES (Mat 5:3-12) THE WOES (Mat 23:13-33)
The kingdom opened to the poor (v 3). The kingdom shut (v 13).
Comfort for mourners (v 4). Mourners distressed (v 14).
The meek inheriting the earth (v 5). Fanatics compassing the earth (v 15).
True righteousness sought by true desire (v 6). False righteousness sought by lies (vv 16-22).
The merciful obtain mercy (v 7). Justice, “mercy”, and faith left undone (vv 23,24).
Purity within, and the vision of God hereafter (v 8). Purity without, uncleanness within. “Blindness” (vv 25,26).
Peacemakers, the sons of God (v 9). Hypocrites, and lawless (vv 27,28).
The persecuted (vv 10-12). The persecutors (vv 29-33).