What Does the Bible Say About Ambition?

As a man of God, it is important to me to read the Bible regularly and apply the Word to my life.

The wisdom offered in this ancient book has stood the test of time and can benefit us immensely if we can understand it and effectively apply it in our daily lives. For example, Proverbs 15:22 tells us that “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”

I use that verse to help me govern my business ventures by making sure I don’t forget to run my new ideas past my circle of trusted advisors. There might come a time when you think of a new invention, a way to tap into a new market, or be presented with an opportunity that seems like something you would be foolish to pass up. To you, these scenarios may seem flawless, and openings to a whole new level of success. However, if you bring these opportunities to wise individuals that you can trust and seek their counsel, they might be able to poke holes in your plans and show you the red flags and major drawbacks of going in that direction. And if they can’t find any reason that you shouldn’t do something, you can proceed with vigor and the affirmation that what you’re about to do should be successful.

Wise counsel can save you from a dangerous misstep. 

When you get overly ambitious and ready to take a plunge into disastrous waters, wise counsel will stop you in your tracks. On the other hand, trusted advice can also give you powerful affirmation of a good plan, which you can carry with you and keep in mind whenever it feels like your efforts aren’t paying off.

If you don’t have a group of seasoned businessmen that you can trust with your ideas and strategies for new businesses, I suggest that you join a mastermind group. Having a mastermind group with which to share your opportunities, questions, and concerns will give you distinct competitive advantage over those who don’t have mastermind groups as a resource.

One of the things I’ve been discussing with my mastermind groups this month is ambition. Together we are reading the book Ambition: Leading with Gratitude by Seth Buechley, and talking through each of the topics.

Because—as I mentioned earlier—I believe it is important to use the wisdom found in the Bible to guide us through life, I posed this question: What does the Bible say about ambition?

Ambition can be a powerful ally or a destructive enemy. If your ambition is misplaced and fueled by shallow wants and superficial desires, you will find yourself perpetually dissatisfied and ultimately uncontent. The Bible talks about that type of ambition in Matthew 6:24, warning against greed and the insatiable desire to earn more money than you could ever spend. If wealth and riches are your ambition, you will never be satisfied.

There’s nothing wrong with making money, but you have to own the money; you can’t let it own you. You have to have a purpose that’s greater than money. The money will come to you through hard work and God’s blessing. Your greater purpose should be what your ambitions push you towards. Matthew 6:33 affirms this by giving us the insight that God knows our desires. He knows what fuels us, and if we aren’t scheming and plotting to send someone to ruin, He wants to bless us with the things that we seek. Jesus advises that if you seek first the Kingdom of God then He will give you everything that you need, and more.

If your ambition is to lead others to Christ, you will have a deep sense of satisfaction in your work. And if you asked me, I would tell you that with your heart focused on God, unimaginable blessings are headed your way. Don’t let the thrill of shallow things be your ambition. Seek God first, and live on purpose!