What does the Bible say about ambition?

from the old testament

• Proverbs emphasizes the value of hard work and diligence as components of success (Proverbs 10:4).
• The Old Testament also teaches that human ambition must be submitted to God’s will. Proverbs 16:3 advises, "Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established," indicating that while ambition is important, it should be rooted in a desire to fulfill God's purpose rather than personal glory.
• Ambition that leads to pride or self-promotion is cautioned against. For instance, Proverbs 27:2 states, "Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips," warning against seeking recognition through self-promotion.

from the new testament

• Clearly selfish ambition is not what Christians are called to. For example, in Philippians 2:3, the apostle Paul commands believers to, "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves."
• Whereas by nature each man loves to be a king, by the power of the Spirit we are called to see others as more significant. Instead of seeking to be served, we are called to imitate Christ who came to serve (Mark 10:45).
• In the NIV translation of the Bible, Galatians 5:20 lists "selfish ambition" among the works of the flesh or sinful nature (the ESV has “rivalries”). On the contrary, the fruit of the Spirit, with which we are to be filled, includes joy, peace, and kindness.
• James 3:13–17 speaks negatively of selfish ambition: "Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere."
• Even the preaching of the gospel can be done from selfish ambition (Philippians 1:17).
• There can be good or godly ambition. The difference has to do with motive. Paul made it his ambition to preach the gospel but from a godly, not selfish motive (Romans 15:20). Paul’s desire was to preach the gospel in order to bring glory to God. In 2 Corinthians 5:9 Paul writes, "So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him."
• In 1 Thessalonians 4:11, Paul exhorts believers in Christ to, "aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands." Aiming or aspiring, or having the ambition, to live in a way that pleases God is certainly a good thing.

implications for today

Ambition, when aligned with God's will, can be a powerful force for good in our lives and the lives of others. The Bible encourages us to pursue goals that honor God and serve others, as seen in Colossians 3:23–24, which reminds us to work heartily for the Lord rather than for men. We can reflect on our ambitions, asking whether they are rooted in self-serving desires or in a genuine desire to fulfill God’s purpose. By prioritizing our relationship with God and seeking His guidance, we can channel our ambition into actions that promote love, justice, and the furthering of His kingdom. This shift in focus helps us avoid the pitfalls of envy and comparison, enabling us to find fulfillment in our efforts as we trust that God is sovereign over our successes and challenges. Whether in preaching the gospel, in working, in eating or drinking, or in anything else, it is the motive of the heart that matters. What we desire to do most must come from a desire to please God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Ultimately, a God-centered ambition leads to a life of meaning and impact, reflecting His glory in all we do.