The Sermon on the Mount, recorded in Matthew 5–7, is one of the Bible’s most famous passages, bringing together the core teachings of Jesus. Revered for its profound moral and ethical guidance, it holds a central place in Christian thought. Set on a mountaintop, the scene symbolically highlights Jesus’ role as a teacher of divine wisdom, offering practical and timeless guidance for living a life of purpose and integrity.
Jordan Peterson’s in-depth analysis presents the Sermon on the Mount as a practical framework for navigating life’s complexities and aligning with one’s highest ideals. By bridging theology, psychology, and philosophy, Peterson reveals how these teachings help us embrace life’s struggles as opportunities for growth and meaning.
Trusting Reality: The Power of Transformation
Peterson emphasises that struggles reveal our inner strength. “The more you can contend with your own insufficiency, the stronger you will be”, he suggests. Just as going to the gym strengthens the body, facing difficulties with faith and humility strengthens the soul. The Sermon’s call to “be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48) invites us to strive toward the highest good, even amidst imperfection.
Peterson explains that happiness is fleeting and, importantly, “happiness is not what redeems you”. What truly redeems you, he argues, is embarking on the adventure of your life—one defined by striving toward meaningful and inspiring goals. Striving for truth, love, and integrity not only brings fulfilment but also cultivates the self-respect needed to bear our flaws and serve others. Responsibility—not comfort—becomes the foundation of a meaningful life. The Sermon’s teachings to be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-14) remind us that our actions have the potential to illuminate and transform the lives of others.
Jordan Peterson stresses the importance of identifying a worthy aim and moving toward it. He advocates a meditative or prayer-like exercise in which you envision what you truly want and need in five years—considering relationships, career, education, and well-being: “If I could have what I need and want so that my life would justify itself, so I could move forward without bitterness and resentment, what would it be?” For those unsure of what they want, Peterson advises, “If you don’t know what you want, then what you want is to find out what you want.”
This process involves opening yourself to the “revelation” of your goals by asking honest and specific questions. In doing so, you activate deeper, intuitive thought processes that often lead to clear answers. These insights guide you toward an aim that aligns with your true self. Clues to discovering this alignment can be found by observing your own nature and living in accordance with it.
Drawing on his experience as a clinical psychologist, Jordan Peterson highlights the importance of aligning your actions with your personality traits to lead a fulfilling life. For example, if you’re highly open to experience, you need to engage in creativity, as suppressing this part of your nature can lead to emotional stagnation or despair. Similarly, extroverts thrive on social interaction, agreeable people find meaning in caregiving, and conscientious individuals need a sense of duty to feel purposeful. Ignoring these innate traits can cause a profound sense of emptiness. Another clue, as to your deep philosophies and values, can be your hobbies, which further helps to answer the question of what satisfies you.
It seems that Peterson is connecting this alignment to the idea of “seeking the kingdom of heaven,” which he interprets as moments of deep fulfilment and connection. These moments often arise in service to others or when engaging in meaningful activities that align with your nature. He suggests that true significance is often found in selfless acts, where we transcend our immediate concerns and discover profound purpose. The key, according to Peterson, is to actively seek these moments and structure your life around activities that bring you into alignment with who you truly are.
‘So you want to watch like you don’t know yourself, because you’re ignorant and suffering. It’s like, “Who am I? I don’t know. God, look at me. I’m such a mess. I can’t control myself. What am I? When am I doing OK? Oh, here, this seems to work. I could do more of this and I could do less of that.” And then you can start practising that. And so that’s part of seeking.’
Peterson stresses that moving toward a worthy aim also demands a willingness to confront your ignorance and inadequacies. Transformation begins with stripping away pretensions, humbling yourself privately, and admitting what is wrong in your life. This courageous act of self-examination allows you to take responsibility for your flaws and blind spots, which are often directly tied to the most serious problems you face. The deeper you delve into this process, the more likely you are to receive insights that can help rectify your path and strengthen your ability to progress toward your aim.
Ultimately, Peterson argues that striving toward a noble goal not only provides direction and meaning but also fortifies your character as you learn to overcome life’s inevitable challenges. It is through this alignment with a worthy aim, combined with the humility to face your limitations, that you can transform your life into a meaningful and fulfilling journey.
Peterson also highlights the importance of resilience through struggle. Life’s challenges—betrayal, aging, and death—become opportunities to build character and fortitude. Facing trials head-on fosters growth, shifting our focus from victimhood to agency. He makes an insightful point: we don’t just want what we want—we also crave the challenge that comes with achieving what we want.
Key Takeaway:
View challenges as opportunities to uncover untapped potential. Reflect on this: What “mountain” are you climbing, and how does it align with your highest ideals?
Asking and Receiving: The Role of Faith and Action
The Sermon highlights the interplay of faith and action: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7). Faith requires active engagement with the unknown. Peterson explains that asking genuine questions and pursuing meaningful goals prepares us to recognise and seize opportunities when they arise.
The Sermon reflects the generous nature of God: “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone?” (Matthew 7:9). This analogy inspires trust in the process of seeking, reminding us that outcomes often align with a greater purpose. Asking, however, demands courage and responsibility—it means stepping into the unknown, risking failure, and embracing discomfort. Peterson asserts that true resilience is born from this willingness to engage with life’s inevitable challenges.
Faith and action are deeply intertwined. Stability, Peterson explains, is rooted in adaptability, not in avoiding hardship. By trusting the process, we align ourselves with growth and transformation.
Actionable Insight:
Identify a question or goal you’ve been avoiding. Take one small step toward it today, trusting that clarity and answers will unfold as you persevere. Reflect: How might welcoming the unknown help you grow?
Building Relationships: The Value of Small Connections
Peterson states that relationships begin with understanding yourself. He encourages us to “figure out how you would like to be treated; the price for that will be to do that for other people.” Relationships thrive on small, intentional actions—like kind words, or even small talk. These seemingly minor interactions build trust, and open for the door for deeper connections later on.
The Sermon’s call to “love your neighbour as yourself” (Matthew 22:39) reflects this principle of mutual care and reciprocity. Peterson adds that self-reflection is key to strengthening relationships. Asking questions like “What am I doing wrong?” or “What can I change today?” fosters self-awareness and improves how we interact with others.
“Love your enemies” is one of the Sermon’s most challenging teachings. Peterson explores how being willing to engage with adversaries—even if they are mostly in the wrong—can help you grow and potentially transform the relationship. He warns against cynicism, advocating instead for courageous dialogue and seeing conflicts as opportunities for understanding and reconciliation.
In intimate relationships, Peterson notes that you don’t want someone who always agrees with you; instead, you want someone to contend with—a dynamic that encourages mutual growth and avoids the tyranny of abject subordination. Along these lines, as we strive to grow, he suggests conceptualising yourself as someone to contend with.
Peterson relates this to his clinical experience, where he has observed that people often operate from fragmented parts of their personality. For instance, if someone experienced developmental trauma at age 10, they may respond to challenges or advice with the mindset of a 10-year-old. “Sometimes you’re talking to a part of them that’s 10 years old,” Peterson explains. Addressing this part of them as though it were an adult will fail because the developmental gap remains unacknowledged. In such moments, the listener perceives the advice as judgmental or overwhelming, causing them to reject it outright.
The takeaway, Peterson suggests, is that effective communication requires deep attunement to where someone truly is, not where you assume them to be. This demands humility and adaptability from the speaker. He notes that even when someone is profoundly troubled, and their issues seem 95% their own doing, the burden still lies on the communicator to adjust their approach: “You’re still doing it wrong. You’re not making contact.”
This teaching mirrors the Sermon’s broader theme of discernment and wisdom. It invites us to consider not just what we say but how and when we say it. Communication, like moral action, requires careful judgment of context and readiness. As Peterson explains, failing to meet someone where they are is not only unproductive but risks damaging the relationship further, much like the warning in the verse: “Lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.” This teaching challenges us to approach others with patience, humility, and a willingness to adjust our message to their capacity for growth. It underscores the importance of speaking not just truthfully but effectively, ensuring that wisdom offered is wisdom received.
In terms of conflict, Jordan Peterson discusses the transformative power of deep, active listening, rooted in Carl Rogers’ method of summarising another’s perspective until they agree with your understanding. This approach, foundational to conflict resolution and peacemaking, fosters mutual respect by signalling that the other person’s words are valuable and worthy of processing. Peterson notes: “Everyone wants to be treated as if they’re worth paying attention to. I would say we want that more than anything else.”
By listening attentively and summarising accurately, you de-escalate emotional tension whilst also condensing the conversation to its core issues, separating irrelevant details from meaningful insights. This clarity helps clear the “argumentative floor” and uncovers deeper, often unconscious reasons for conflict—what Peterson refers to as “layers of catastrophe” buried in unresolved trauma or inherited fears.
Peterson highlights that unresolved conflicts and traumas contribute to chronic stress, as the brain perceives these as uncharted, dangerous territory. This stress burns psychological and physical energy, leading to emotional exhaustion and even health deterioration. By helping others articulate and organize their thoughts, you assist them in “updating their map” of the world, turning chaotic memories into structured, manageable narratives. Peterson asserts: “If you wade through it and sort it out, it disappears. You don’t have to carry it forward.”
In summary, active listening is a tool not only for resolving arguments but also for promoting psychological healing and reducing stress. By engaging in this process, you help others navigate their internal landscapes, reconcile with past traumas, and strengthen their ability to face the uncertainties of life. This aligns with Peterson’s broader view that honest communication—what he calls “dialogos”—is a path to redemption and deeper connection.
Takeaway:
Approach conflicts with humility and the willingness to listen. Build trust through small acts of kindness, and let self-awareness guide your interactions.
Practical Tip:
Share a compliment, lend a hand, or engage in lighthearted conversation today. These small actions can open doors to deeper, more meaningful connections.
Facing Good and Evil: Learning from Life’s Dualities
Life is a delicate balance of joy and suffering, good and evil. Peterson compares this duality to a garden with a serpent—adversity exists not to harm us but to challenge, strengthen, and refine us. The Sermon on the Mount cautions us to “beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15), emphasising the importance of discernment in navigating life’s complexities. Peterson warns of those who often weaponise compassion to elevate themselves falsely, making adversarial claims of moral superiority while manipulating others. Narcissists and psychopaths, in particular, exploit compassion as a tool to assert false moral dominance and control others. Recognising this dynamic requires vigilance and the courage to confront uncomfortable truths, enabling us to respond with clarity, integrity, and resilience rather than falling victim to deception.
Peterson suggests that the antidote to malevolence and catastrophe is to willingly accept these burdens. He asks: “Why would tragedy defeat you? Is it because of the tragedy or because you weren’t ready to withstand it?” This underscores the importance of preparation and resilience. As the Sermon teaches, building a foundation on truth and integrity—like the wise man who built his house on rock (Matthew 7:24)—is essential for enduring life’s storms.
Reframing adversity is key. As Peterson often states, “The things that bring you the most opportunities are often the greatest catastrophes.” Suffering, according to Peterson, becomes a stepping stone for growth when we shift from victimhood to agency. Truth-telling, too, plays a crucial role in navigating dualities. Living authentically fosters trust, clarity, and alignment with reality.
Living authentically is another cornerstone of navigating life’s dualities. By speaking what you believe to be true, you engage with the world as your authentic self, rather than presenting a facade shaped by deception. While honesty may bring temporary discomfort or conflict, it aligns you with reality, builds self-respect, and fosters trust. Peterson warns that living in deception deepens anxiety and fractures integrity, whereas truth-telling brings clarity and invites authenticity from others.
Peterson frames truth-telling as life’s greatest adventure—confronting chaos, growing stronger, and creating a foundation of meaning. This resonates with the Sermon’s call: “Let your yes be yes, and your no be no” (Matthew 5:37), making honesty the cornerstone of a life well-lived. By embracing both truth and adversity, we can move from mere survival to purposeful living.
Reflection Questions:
What challenges have strengthened your resilience?
What truth are you avoiding, and how might embracing it transform your life?
The Golden Rule: Reciprocity in Action
The Sermon’s Golden Rule—“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Matthew 7:12)—is both a moral directive and a practical strategy. Peterson highlights that small acts of kindness, like offering help or a kind word, create ripples of goodwill, inspiring others to reciprocate. Peterson make clear, “The more generous and productive you are, simultaneously the more people want to interact with you.”
Peterson shows us that life is a series of reciprocal exchanges, where generosity and reliability attract opportunities and strengthen relationships. Building these connections on a foundation of truth and kindness creates resilience and fosters harmony in the community.
Jordan Peterson explores in-depth the Sermon’s metaphor: “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid,” as a call to personal and communal excellence. As he states, “There’s no difference between being good to yourself and good to your community.” The “city on a hill” represents both individual self-improvement and the collective goal of building a thriving, interconnected community striving for higher ideals. “It’s no fun having everything by yourself,” he remarks. Instead, the journey toward the metaphorical city is enriched by others who walk alongside us, forming bonds of trust, collaboration, and shared purpose.
Peterson says that that caring for oneself and others is deeply interconnected. “If you treat yourself properly,” he explains, “that’s the same thing as treating other people properly.” Recognising that we are part of a continuum—ourselves today, tomorrow, and years from now—he argues that actions taken to improve our own lives naturally ripple outward to benefit those around us. This is in stark contrast to the short-term thinking exemplified by psychopaths, who exploit others for immediate gain but fail to regulate their own lives. “They betray themselves just as much as they betray other people,” Peterson warns, illustrating that success requires both self-discipline and also alignment with the welfare of others.
The image of the light of the world ties closely to the idea of being a team player. Peterson likens this to being a star athlete who excels individually while elevating the entire team. A true star doesn’t hog the spotlight; they pass the ball, develop others’ talents, and ensure the game is rewarding for everyone. “You make it an exciting game for everyone watching,” he explains, underscoring that personal success is most meaningful when it contributes to collective progress.
Peterson critiques modern individualism here, arguing that “you can’t be sane without sane relationships.” While self-improvement is important, supportive connections are essential for guidance and accountability. Loving friends and family act as mirrors, gently correcting us when we stray from our best selves. “If you’re surrounded by people who love you… they’ll regulate you,” he notes, pointing out that these relationships allow us to flourish by providing emotional stability and perspective.
Ultimately, Peterson expands on the Sermon’s message, showing that being “the light of the world” means more than personal achievement—it’s about building a thriving, harmonious community. The metaphor of the city on a hill becomes a vision of collective excellence, where individuals shine brightly, inspiring and uplifting one another. As Peterson concludes, aligning personal goals with the greater good creates a life filled with purpose and meaning, not only for ourselves but for everyone around us. “Why wouldn’t you want to do that?” he asks, challenging us to rise to the occasion and take our place in a shared journey toward the highest ideals.
Actionable Tip:
Find one way to make someone’s day better today—whether by offering help, sharing a kind word, or simply listening attentively.
Reflection Question:
How can you practice the Golden Rule daily to foster meaningful relationships and create a more connected world?
Conclusion: A Call to Aim Higher
The Sermon on the Mount challenges us to align with life’s highest ideals, transforming suffering into growth and actions into meaning. Jordan Peterson’s analysis brings these timeless teachings into sharp focus, showing us how they provide a blueprint for navigating life’s complexities with courage, integrity, and purpose.
At its heart, the Sermon calls us to take responsibility—for our actions, our relationships, and the path we choose in life. It reminds us that the journey toward the highest good is not free of struggle but is instead defined by it. True fulfilment lies not in avoiding hardship, but in embracing it as a catalyst for transformation.
When we strive to embody principles like truth, love, humility, and reciprocity, we create a life that uplifts not only ourselves but also those around us. By choosing to build our lives on a foundation of integrity, we ensure that we can weather life’s inevitable storms with resilience and grace.
As Peterson emphasises, this process is nothing short of an adventure—one that demands courage to face life’s uncertainties and a willingness to confront our flaws. It’s a journey of becoming, where we continually strive toward the “city on the hill,” embodying light and hope for ourselves and others.
Final Reflection:
What is the highest good you are striving for? What small, meaningful step can you take today to bring yourself closer to it? The door to transformation is waiting—knock, and it shall be opened.
The wisdom of the Sermon on the Mount is an invitation to live with purpose and resilience. It reminds us that every choice we make, no matter how small, is a step toward becoming the best version of ourselves and contributing to a better world.