Money and work
What does the Bible say about ambition?
Scripture distinguishes selfish ambition, which divides, from the healthy desire to work well and use your gifts fully.
What Scripture says
Philippians 2:3
“doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself;”
James 3:16
“For where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is confusion and every evil deed.”
Jeremiah 45:5
“Do you seek great things for yourself? Don’t seek them; for, behold, I will bring evil on all flesh,’ says the LORD, ‘but I will let you escape with your life wherever you go.’””
1 Thessalonians 4:11
“and that you make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, even as we instructed you,”
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Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. See all Bible questions or verses by topic.