What does the Bible say about selfish ambitions?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible warns that selfish ambition is a sinful pursuit of personal advantage that breeds division, disorder, and spiritual harm, and calls believers instead to humble, loving service. Philippians 2:3-4 teaches us to count others more significant than ourselves and seek their good, following the pattern of Christ. James 3:14-16 says bitter jealousy and selfish ambition are earthly and produce disorder and every vile practice. Galatians 5:19-21 includes such rivalries among the works of the flesh, while Galatians 5:14 summarizes God’s law in love for neighbor. By grace, Christians are to resist the devil’s temptations, submit their plans to God’s will, and pursue unity, compassion, and the good of others.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Philippians 2:3-4
[3] doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself; [4] each of you not just looking to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others.
- James 3:14-16
[14] But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, don't boast and don't lie against the truth. [15] This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic. [16] For where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is confusion and every evil deed.
- Galatians 5:19-21
[19] Now the works of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, [20] idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, [21] envyings, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
- James 4:15
For you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will both live, and do this or that."
- Philippians 2:3
doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself;
- 1 Timothy 6:10
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
- Galatians 5:14
For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
- 1 Peter 3:8-10
[8] Finally, be all like-minded, compassionate, loving as brothers, tenderhearted, courteous, [9] not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but instead blessing; knowing that to this were you called, that you may inherit a blessing. [10] For, "He who would love life, And see good days, Let him keep his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit.
- 1 Peter 5:8
Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
- 1 Corinthians 10:24
Let no one seek his own, but each one his neighbor's good.
Related topics
Go deeper
Ask Explain Bible AI about selfish ambitions and get a fuller answer from a Reformed theological perspective.
Ask what the Bible says about selfish ambitions