" A final suggestion is that the first four pertain to God and the second four to our relationship with others.20 If I were to venture a suggestion here, it would be this: group the beatitudes into threes.21 Thus, three on the humility of the poor (“poor in spirit,” “mourn,” “meek”), three on those who pursue justice (“hunger and thirst … ,” “merciful,” “pure in heart”), and three on those who create peace (“peacemakers,” “persecuted … ,” “insult you …”). Thus, the three central moral themes of the Beatitudes are humility (of the poor), justice, and peace. "

― Scot McKnight , Sermon on the Mount (The Story of God Bible Commentary)