08/03/2026
_RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENT’S MANUAL_
_Y.A.Y.A EDITION_
_LESSON: TWENTY-SEVEN_
_DATE: SUNDAY 8TH MARCH 2026_
_TOPIC: GET RICH QUICK SYNDROME_
MEMORY VERSE: "Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished: but he who gathers by labour will increase". – Proverbs 13:11 (NKJV).
BIBLE PASSAGE: JEREMIAH 17:7-11
7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.
8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.
9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.
11 As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not; so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool.
INTRODUCTION
Wealth and living a comfortable life are part of God’s plan for humanity. He created everything — whether as finished products or raw materials — needed for an enjoyable and fulfilled life (Genesis 1:20-22, 24-25; 2:8-9, 16). The abundance of resources is evident (Ecclesiastes 5:9), yet the lack of patience has driven many, especially youths, to adopt the harmful “get-rich-quick syndrome” to meet their needs. This lesson aims to explore this concept and provide guidance on resisting the temptation to pursue wealth hastily and unethically.
LESSON OUTLINES
1. THE SYNDROME
2. RESIST THE URGE
THE SYNDROME
The get-rich-quick syndrome refers to an intense and irrational desire to accumulate wealth rapidly, often without considering the consequences. This overwhelming urge to achieve financial success overnight can drive individuals to engage in unlawful activities such as gambling, Ponzi schemes, cybercrime, armed robbery, selling of body parts, kidnapping, prostitution, drug dealing, advance-fee scam/fraud, etc. (Proverbs 21:6-8).
The get-rich-quick syndrome can result in serious negative consequences, such as a rise in crimes like murder, kidnapping, and robbery; a deterioration in educational standards; the erosion of traditional values like honesty, hard work, and fairness; the rapid loss of such wealth (Proverbs 23:4-5); and lack of genuine satisfaction which often leads to sudden death (Proverbs 1:18-19).
Red flags to watch out for to avoid get-rich-quick scams include enticing offers promising large amounts of quick profit without risk; a stranger who claims to be connected through mutual acquaintances and proposes a business opportunity; and being asked to use one’s account for transfers, withdrawals, or other financial transactions (Proverbs 1:10).
RESIST THE URGE
As an individual, you can overcome the urge for quick wealth syndrome by trusting God to empower and teach you to make wealth *(Deuteronomy 8:18; Isaiah 48:17)*, assess your current situation and develop actionable improvement plans *(Luke 15:17-19)*. Stay diligent and dedicated to your goals *(Proverbs 22:29)*, seek wisdom, practice patience, cultivate contentment and uphold integrity as you work towards success *(Ecclesiastes 7:12; Hebrews 13:5; 1 Timothy 6:6)*.
Society can play a vital role in combating this syndrome by educating individuals on its channels of exposure—such as social media, newspapers, infomercials and periodicals. Efforts should also focus on promoting value-based orientation, emphasising that the means matter as much as the ends, and shifting the spotlight from wealth to integrity by ceasing to glorify individuals with questionable characters flaunting wealth *(Psalm 73:3; Proverbs 13:11)*. Additionally, creating job opportunities, empowering youths through skill acquisition, and supporting entrepreneurship are crucial steps in addressing this issue.
CONCLUSION
The get-rich-quick syndrome is a plan to make a lot of money in a short time, often with little effort and not minding the risk, beware (1 Timothy 6:10).
QUESTIONS
1. Mention five illegal activities people engage in to get rich quickly.
2. Identify four ways you can resist the urge for get-rich-quick syndrome.
