Ambition | Valley of Virtue

Ambition

Key Bible Verse

"I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 3:14

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Definitions

Practical

Choosing to work toward something better instead of staying where you are

Biblical

Desiring to be and to do the very best for God in His strength and for His glory

Webster's Original (1828)

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AMBI'TION, noun [Latin ambitio, from ambio, to go about, or to seek by making interest, of amb, about, and eo, to go. This word had its origin in the practice of Roman candidates for office, who went about the city to solicit votes.]

A desire of preferment, or of honor; a desire of excellence or superiority. It is used in a good sense; as, emulation may spring from a laudable ambition It denotes also an inordinate desire of power, or eminence, often accompanied with illegal means to obtain the object. It is sometimes followed by of; as, a man has an ambition of wit. Milton has used the word in the Latin sense of going about, or attempting; but this sense is hardly legitimate.

Examples of Ambition from Scripture

The Bible serves as a timeless guide for character study, offering profound insights and teachings that have shaped moral and ethical standards for centuries.

Josiah

Tearing down idols and restoring the temple

Though only eight years old, King Josiah worked to remove false idols and restore proper worship. His actions helped guide the people back to God.

Read the story in 2 Kings 22-23, 2 Chronicles 34-35
Nehemiah

Rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem in the face of constant opposition

After many Jewish people returned home from Babylon, the walls of Jerusalem were still broken. Nehemiah led the people in rebuilding the walls, even when others mocked and threatened them. His actions helped protect the city and give the people hope again.

Read the story in Nehemiah 2
Zerubbabel

Laying the foundation of the second temple after exile

God’s people came back from Babylon needing a place to worship. Zerubbabel led the rebuilding of the temple even when the work was hard and resources were scarce. His determination helped the people worship God together again.

Read the story in Ezra 3-6

Know of another good example? Share your idea →

Words Related to Ambition

Use these words to enrich your conversations and deepen your understanding of ambition. They're perfect for discussing real-life examples and exploring how this virtue shows up in everyday moments.

Similar

Initiative — Acting without being told
Motivation — Energy directed toward a goal
Diligence — Sticking with the work
Industry — Consistent, productive effort
Vision — Seeing something worth building
Follow-through — Finishing what was started
Drive — An inner push to move forward
Earnestness — Taking the task seriously
Aspiration — Reaching beyond the present
Perseverance — Continuing despite difficulty
Resolve — Firmness in pursuit of a goal
Purposefulness — Aiming effort in a clear direction

Opposite

Restlessness — Always striving, never satisfied
Apathy — Lacking care or concern
Neglect — Letting responsibilities slide
Aimlessness — Living without clear direction
Stagnation — No growth, no movement
Selfishness — Pursuit without regard for others
Passivity — Letting life happen without action
Impatience — Wanting results without process
Indifference — No desire to improve or build
Complacency — Being content to stay as you are
Vanity — Desiring recognition more than good work
Ruthlessness — Advancing at any cost
Laziness — Avoiding effort altogether
Slothfulness — A settled resistance to work
Drift — Moving nowhere on purpose
Pride — Making achievement about self-exaltation

Quotes on Ambition

"Intelligence without ambition is a bird without wings."

— Salvador Dali (1904-1989)

Spanish surrealist artist

"Don't compare yourself with other people; compare yourself with who you were yesterday."

— Jordan Peterson (1962-)

Canadian psychologist author

"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great."

— Mark Twain (1835-1910)

American humorist author

"Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them."

— Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

German-born American physicist

"We must admit that civilization depends on men of ambition, whose enthusiasm and energy create prosperity and security for everyone. Yet how few people are enthusiastic about holiness, and are ambitious to become saints."

— St. Morgan of Wales (aka Pelagius) (360-420)

Celtic Christian theologian