Crazy Lazy: A warning against laziness

by Alistair Begg

Laziness is often seen as a bit of a joke the stereotypical student who thinks each day has one 9 o clock; the prolific procrastinator; or just the ordinary person quick to make excuses when a hard job comes along. We are all too comfortable with laziness, too sleepy ourselves to notice the dangers a lifestyle like this brings. In Crazy Lazy, a book short enough even for the laziest of readers, Alistair Begg urges us to take laziness seriously. He delves into the book of Proverbs to warn us of the devastating effect it has on ourselves, our relationships with others and our relationship with God. This book not only show you that laziness if not of God, but will challenge you to tackle it head on, and encourage you that a life lived today can be so much more fulfilling than one constantly postponed until tomorrow.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Theology, Christian Living, Faith, Christianity

39 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Alistair Begg has been in pastoral ministry since 1975. Following graduation from The London School of Theology, he served eight years in Scotland at both Charlotte Chapel in Edinburgh and Hamilton Baptist Church.

In 1983, he became the senior pastor at Parkside Church near Cleveland, Ohio. He has written several books and is heard daily and weekly on the radio program, Truth For Life. The teaching on Truth For Life stems from the week by week Bible teaching at Parkside Church.

Reviews

[Rob Sumrall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alistair Begg is one of my favorite preachers. I love hearing his thick brogue as he expounds upon Biblical texts. Crazy Lazy is a short 40-page treatise on the dangers of slothfulness. This book reads as though it is a transcription of one of his messages. He frequently speaks of the dangers for college students to be subdued by laziness.

I found the book both insightful and convicting. I don't view myself as a lazy person, but I can be a skilled procrastinator when I want to be, a problem that he directly addresses. I think this book is timely in our culture.

I read the book on a short plane ride. You can read it in an hour or less. I think it offers sound exegesis on the Proverbs and would be a beneficial book for all teens to read. I also think everyone who is getting any kind of government subsidy should be required to read this book. Before you start blasting me with comments about how everyone on a government subsidy isn't lazy, let me head you off at the pass. I know that! But let's be honest. There is tremendous abuse in our welfare system. We have unwittingly awarded lazy and slothful behavior in many people (not ALL, but many).

[David J. Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Expositions of verses in Proverbs that deal with laziness. The main thrust of the book is that laziness is a sin to be mortified, not a personality trait to be excused. Good thoughts.

[Josh Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent reminder of the sin of laziness!

[Zak Mellgren · Rating 3 out of 5]

TL;DR

Just kidding.

This is a good little booklet that reflects on the characteristics of the sluggard in Proverbs. Really, that's all it is - elaborating on those descriptions. This is valuable, but I wanted more unpacking of the positive characteristics in Proverbs of the self-disciplined. Douglas Wilson's Ploductivity remains the best thing I've read on building productive habits so far this year.

[Megan]

Oof — really needed this

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Could have done with some more gospel in there but a good, cutting analysis of the problem.
https://iserveafricabookstore.wordpre...

[Jim Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little exposition of Proverbs specifically dealing with "the sluggard".

[Dorene Dundas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, easy read. Sounded just like Alistair Begg's sermons. ;) Good challenge to not allow oneself to slip into laziness and just let life go by-- not what God created us for!

[Alice Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was quite short which was fitting for the title. It really hit hard and got me thinking as well as evaluating my life.

[Bianca · Rating 2 out of 5]

In Crazy Lazy, Alistair Begg urges readers to reflect on the dangers of both spiritual and personal laziness, highlighting the often-overlooked tendency to neglect our souls. Through his reflections on topics like devotion to God, involvement in Christian community, and the dangers of surrounding ourselves with the wrong influences, Begg challenges us to take our walk with God more seriously. The book serves as a meditation on the Biblical concept of laziness, particularly through the lens of the sluggard in Proverbs. One striking reminder is that “tomorrow is the devil’s favourite word,” a powerful call to stop procrastinating and take immediate action in nourishing our souls.

However, the book is more reflective than practical. While it encourages awareness of the dangers of laziness, it doesn’t offer concrete steps on how to overcome it. The first half of the book felt somewhat repetitive, but the latter portion was more impactful, especially for me in how it explored the idea of not being lazy about our spiritual lives. That perspective was a new take I hadn’t considered before, and for me, it was the best part of the book.

Ultimately, Crazy Lazy is less about a step-by-step guide and more of a heartfelt warning against neglecting our spiritual lives—something we all tend to do, consciously or unconsciously. Overall, this book provides an insightful read but may not be the most practical resource for those looking for actionable advice. It is, however, a thought-provoking reflection for anyone seeking to evaluate their walk with God and the role that laziness might play in it.

[Hoi Lam H Cheng · Rating 2 out of 5]

A short read based on the warnings in Proverbs about sluggardness and was a helpful reminder to examine my own heart and attitudes towards laziness. While the biblical message was clear and convicting, I found many of the examples quite vague and hypothetical, which made them harder to relate to in everyday life. As a result, although it prompted some reflection, I was not entirely sure what practical changes I took away from the book.

[Joel Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good biblical description of what a lazy "sluggard" is and the dangers of living like this. However I was expecting more of an in depth solution to it other than just essentially "get off your bum". I've seen much better responses elsewhere. Still a good read though for understanding the dangers - so definitely lived up to the title. 😁

[Adam Thomas · Rating 2 out of 5]

A short, easy-to-read - yet challenging - discussion of the proverbial sluggard, complete with illustrations. A good way to fill a train journey, although the discussion is not very substantial, and maybe focusses too much on the "warning" without giving a better gospel vision.

[Bethany Naykalyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very short little book, packed full of scripture to warn the Christian of the sin of laziness. Seemed geared towards college and university students, as he references them several times, but worth the read no matter where you are in life.

[Jonathan Sussex · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great easy to read, but challenging book on the subject

[Helen Hanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice and short and to the point. So next year I am going to keep a journal so I can see the progress of how I am growing in the things of God.

[Stacie]

Exactly what I need!!

[Kenneth R. Callison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ouch! I must repent.

[Elizabeth Prata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet, pointed and funny, it took all of a short half an hour to read, but the wisdom in it will remain in my mind for a long time.

[James Lloyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pithy sermon (40 small pages) on laziness.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book I'm terrified that my wife would read, as it pretty much sums up a whole bunch of my whole life's problems and she's the least lazy person I know and she'll definitely take me to task... oh dear... I've just seen my daughter's read this! I hope I can remember these applications going forward.

[Ruthe Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little book with a giant message on what constitutes laziness and what to do about it. This book is not your typical motivational book with lots of organization and discipline tips, but just factual and to the point, as Alistair Begg does so well. With his wisdom and wit, he is able to tell us the truth – that laziness is a sin, since we are not “making the most of every opportunity” as we are instructed from the Bible. (Ephesians 5) Most particularly, we tend to be lazy in our seeking God through Bible meditation and prayer. We allow lesser things to weigh us down, until we are not able to ascend upwards. In our struggle, we can turn to God as we do with all sin, and humbly ask that He give us the grace to overcome. The pastor leads the way with a marvelous prayer at the end of the book. This is a great book to start the New Year.

[Matt Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very short and challenging look at the Proverbs teaching on laziness. I came away more aware of my own patterns of laziness and of the dangers of not fighting to mortify it.

Also a very readable book (incl. cartoon-like illustrations!) - ideal to give to students and youth.

[Mark Barnes · Rating 3 out of 5]

7/10

[1verylovedmom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little book. Very convicting and relevant fooled the times we live in. Insisting on my boys reading.

[Nidia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this little book very much! With meaningful scripture and stories woven into his message, it reminded me to keep up my Bible studies and not fall into the trap of putting them off or slowing down. I do not want to "pitch my tent In The plain" in any area of my life! Quick, great read.