The Best 50+ Bible Verses About Ambition

Ambition can be a tricky thing. It drives us to achieve our goals, but it can also lead us astray if not kept in check. The Bible offers wisdom on how to balance ambition with humility and faith.

This article brings together 50 Bible verses that touch on ambition. These verses provide guidance, encouragement, and caution, helping you navigate your ambitions in a way that aligns with your faith.

50 Bible Verses About Ambition

10 Bible Verses on Godly Ambition

• "I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." — Philippians 3:14
• "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ." — Colossians 3:23-24
• "Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established." — Proverbs 16:3
• "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it." — 1 Corinthians 9:24
• "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." — 2 Timothy 4:7
• "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." — Ephesians 2:10
• "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." — Matthew 5:16
• "Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him." — James 1:12
• "As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." — 1 Peter 4:10
• "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." — Galatians 6:9

10 Bible Verses on Ambition and Humility

• "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself." — Philippians 2:3
• "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up." — James 4:10
• "When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom." — Proverbs 11:2
• "And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." — Matthew 23:12
• "Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for 'God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" — 1 Peter 5:5
• "For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith." — Romans 12:3
• "For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." — Luke 14:11
• "Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another." — Galatians 5:26
• "Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, and before honor is humility." — Proverbs 18:12
• "The end of a thing is better than its beginning; the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit." — Ecclesiastes 7:8

10 Bible Verses on Righteous Ambition

• "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." — Matthew 6:33
• "That you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you." — 1 Thessalonians 4:11
• "And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man's foundation." — Romans 15:20
• "Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him." — 2 Corinthians 5:9
• "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." — Philippians 1:21
• "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses." — 1 Timothy 6:12
• "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." — Hebrews 12:1-2
• "But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love." — 2 Peter 1:5-7
• "I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called." — Ephesians 4:1
• "That you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God." — Colossians 1:10

10 Bible Verses on Ambition in Service

• "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." — Mark 10:45
• "His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'" — Matthew 25:21
• "For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." — Galatians 5:13
• "There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all." — 1 Corinthians 12:4-7
• "Not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." — Romans 12:11
• "With goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men." — Ephesians 6:7
• "If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen." — 1 Peter 4:11
• "I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" — Acts 20:35
• "So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver." — 2 Corinthians 9:7
• "Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." — Philippians 2:4

10 Bible Verses on Ambition and Purpose

• "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." — Jeremiah 29:11
• "A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." — Proverbs 16:9
• "Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart." — Psalm 37:4
• "In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will." — Ephesians 1:11
• "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." — Romans 8:28
• "If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God." — Colossians 3:1
• "Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began." — 2 Timothy 1:9
• "Everyone who is called by My name, whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him." — Isaiah 43:7
• "The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; do not forsake the works of Your hands." — Psalm 138:8
• "For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." — Philippians 3:20

What Does the Bible Say About Ambition

Ambition is a powerful force in our lives. It can drive us to achieve great things, but it can also lead us down the wrong path if not guided by faith and humility. The Bible offers a wealth of wisdom on how to balance our ambitions with our spiritual values. By reflecting on these teachings, we can find a way to pursue our goals while staying true to our faith.

One key theme is the importance of godly ambition. Verses like Philippians 3:14 and Colossians 3:23-24 remind us to aim high but to do so for the glory of God. Our efforts should be directed towards fulfilling God's purpose for us, not just our personal desires. This kind of ambition is about striving for excellence in a way that honors God.

Another important theme is humility. The Bible warns against selfish ambition and pride. Philippians 2:3 and James 4:10 teach us to put others before ourselves and to humble ourselves before God. When we approach our ambitions with humility, we are more likely to receive God's grace and guidance.

Service is also a crucial aspect of ambition. Mark 10:45 and Galatians 5:13 highlight the importance of serving others. True ambition should include a desire to help and uplift those around us. By focusing on service, we align our goals with God's will and make a positive impact on the world.

Finally, the Bible speaks about finding purpose in our ambitions. Jeremiah 29:11 and Proverbs 16:9 remind us that God has a plan for each of us. When we seek His guidance, our ambitions become part of a larger, divine purpose. This gives us hope and direction, knowing that our efforts are part of God's greater plan.

How to Apply These Bible Verses About Ambition

Applying the Bible's teachings on ambition to daily life can help you stay grounded and focused on what truly matters. These verses offer practical wisdom that can guide your actions and decisions.

Here are some practical steps to live out these biblical principles:

• Start your day with prayer: Ask God to guide your ambitions and help you align them with His will.
• Set goals with purpose: Make sure your goals honor God and serve others, not just yourself.
• Practice humility: Remember to put others first and seek God's guidance in all you do.
• Engage in community service: Find ways to help those around you, whether through volunteering or simple acts of kindness.
• Reflect on your actions: Regularly evaluate whether your ambitions are in line with your faith and values.

Remember, God is always with you, guiding your steps and helping you grow. By keeping your ambitions rooted in faith, you can achieve great things while staying true to your spiritual values.

For more prayers and Bible verses, visit PrayersFor or try our Bible Verse Generator to deepen your understanding and faith.