Sukuma Proverbs

790. MASALA ABHILI KAYA IMO.

Yalihoyi kaya imo iyo ikalaga muchalo jilebhe. Ikaya yiniyo. yali ya bhabyaji na bhana bhabho. Ungosha agabhawila abhana, “jaji mugalime ukungunda.”

Aho bhabhuka bhajile, abhana bhenabho, uninabho ubhawila, “jagi mugaguse jiseme.” Abhana bhenabho bhagagayiwa uyo bhang’wigwe, kunguno ya kaya yiniyo gubhiza na masala abhili. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagaitana ikaya yiniyo giki, “masala abhili kaya imo.”

Ulusumo lunulo, lugalenganijiyagwa kubhitoji abho bhagafunyaga long’we bhuli ng’wene aha kaya yabho, umukikalile kabho. Abhanhu bhenabho, bhagafunyaga long’we ibhili ijo jigabhachanganyaga abhana bhabho kunguno ya masala gabho gubhiza abhili, aliyo bhali ha kaya imo. Abhoyi bhagadumaga ugubhalela chiza abhana bhabho, kunguno bhuli ng’wene ali ni lange lyakwe, umukikalile kabho.

Abhanhu bhenabho, bhagikolaga na bhaha kaya iyo bhafunyaga long’we ya gubhahuganya abhana bhabho, kunguno na bhoyi bhagadumaga ugubhalela chiza abhana bhabho, umuwikaji bhobho. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagabhitanaga giki, “masala abhili kaya imo.”

Ulusumo lunulo, lolanga bhitoji higulya ya gubhiza na long’we imo aha kaya yabho, umukikalile kabho, kugiki bhadule gubhalela chiza abhana bhabho, umuwikaji bhobho.

Wagalatia 4:4-7.

Wagalatia 5:1-2.

KISWAHILI: AKILI MBILI FAMILIA MOJA.

Ilikuwepo familia moja katika kijiji fulani. Familia hiyo, ilikuwa ya wazazi na watoto wao. Siku moja baba aliwatuma watoto akisema, “nendeni mkalime shambani.”

Walipoanza kwenda, kuitekeleza kazi hiyo, mama yao aliwaambia, “nendeni mkaoshe vyombo.” Watoto hao, walichanganyikiwa kwa sababu ya kupewa amri mbili tofauti, kutoka kwa wazazi wao hao. Ndiyo maana watu waliita familia hiyo kwamba ni “akili mbili familia moja.”

Methali hiyo, hulinganishwa kwa wana ndoa wawili ambao hutoa amri kila mmoja kwenye familia yao, katika maisha yao. Watu hao, huwachanganya watoto wao kwa sababu ya kuwapatia amri mbili ambazo hupingana kila moja. Wao hushindwa kuwapatia malezi mema watoto hao, kwa sababu ya wao kuwa na akili mbili tofauti, katika familia yao.

Watu hao, hufanana na wana familia wale wenye kauli mbili walioshindwa kuwatuma watoto wao, kwa sababu nao hushindwa kuwalea vizuri watoto wao kutokana na wao kuwa na amri mbili zinazopingana katika familia yao. Ndiyo maana watu, huwapatia jina la “akili mbili familia moja.”

Methali hiyo, hufundisha wana ndoa juu ya kuwa na malezi ya aina moja kwa watoto wao, katika famila yao, ili waweze kuwalea katika maadili mema watoto hao, maishani mwao.

Wagalatia 4:4-7.

Wagalatia 5:1-2.

ways

marriage3

marriage2

ENGLISH: TWO MINDS ONE FAMILY.

There was one family in a certain village that was made up of parents and children. One day, Father sent the children to the fields, saying, “Go and cultivate the land.”

When they began to do the work, their mother told them, “Go to wash the dishes.” The children, however, were confused because they had been given two different orders, from their own parents. That is why people said that, “two minds one family.”

This proverb is compared to two married couples who give different orders to each of their family members, in their lifetime. Those people confuse their children by giving them two commands that contradict each other. They fail to provide their children with a right kind of education, because they have two different minds in the family.

These people are like those couple of family who failed to send their children, because they also fail to raise their children properly because of having two conflicting commands in their family. That is why people call it as “two minds one family.”

This proverb teaches couples no how to have the same kind of upbringing for their children, in their family, so that they can raise those children in good morals, in their lives.

Galatians 4: 4-7.

Galatians 5: 1-2.

788. NG’OMBE JIGALEKA JULUGU.

Ulusumo lunulo, lulolile bhuleki bho julugu bho ng’ombe ijo jikalaga mulugutu lulebhe bho likanza lilihu. Ijulugu jinijo, jilitembe ijo jigamanaga jukwijiwa ni ng’ombe jinijo mpaga nose jigabhizaga julugu.

Ing’ombe jinijo jigamanaga jiyongeja hado hado itembe yiniyo mpaga nose igakwilaga jawiza julugu ja guponela jiliwa ijo jilahambwe hoyi. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagayombaga giki, “ng’ombe jigaleka julugu.”

Ulusumo lunulo, lugalenganijiyagwa kubhanhu abho bhigikalaga muchalo chiza bho shigu ninge, mpaga bhukumuka umuchalo jinijo. Abhanhu bhenabho bhagidebha na bhananzengo bhichabho bhiza kunguno ya gwiyambilija gutumama milimo yabho chiza, umukikalile kabho. Abhoyi bhagakumukaga noyi umunzengo gobho kunguno ya gwikala bho mholele na bhichabho, umukikalile kabho.

Abhanhu bhenabho, bhagikolaga ni ng’ombe ijo jigaleka julugu, kunguno nabhoyi bhagimanaga na bhanhu mpaga bhaleka nhungwa jawiza ijo bhadulile gwilanga abhamuzengo gobho. Hunagwene abhanhu, bhagabhitanaga giki, “ong’ombe jigaleka julugu.”

Ulusumo lunulo, lolanga bhanhu higulya ya gwikala bho mholele na bhichabho, umuchalo jabho, kugiki bhadule gwiyambilija ugutumamama imilimo yabho chiza, umuwikaji bhobho.

Mathayo 28:16-20.

Yohana 13:34-35.

KISWAHILI: NG’OMBE WALIACHA LUTUBA.

Methali hiyo, yaanganlia uachaji wa lutuba wa ng’ombe ambao waliishi zizini kwa muda mrefu. Lutuba hiyo, ni kinyesi cha ng’ombe ambacho huendelea kuongezeka ndani ya zizi hilo kwa kadiri ng’ombe hao wanavyozidi kuishi humo.

Ng’ombe hao, hukiongeza kinyesi hicho wanapojisaidia wakiwa ndani ya zizi hilo, mpaka mwishowe wanaacha lutuba wanapohama. Sehemu hiyo, huweza kuivisha vizuri mazao mbalimbali yanayopandwa hapo. Ndiyo maana watu husema kwamba, “ng’ombe waliacha lutuba.”

Methali hiyo, hulinganishwa kwa watu walioishi kwenye kijiji fulani mpaka wakaondoka humo wakiwa wamefahamika kwa watu wengi. Watu hao, waliishi kwa kuelewana vizuri na watu wa kijiji hicho, kwa sababu ya namna walivyosaidiana nao katika utekelejaji wa majukumu yao. Wao walifahamika sana kwa wanajiji hao, kwa sababu ya kuishi kwa amani nao, katika maisha yao.

Watu hao, hufanana na wale ng’ombe walioacha lutuba ya kusitawisha mazao vizuri, kwa sababu nao, waliacha mfano mzuri wa kuigwa na wana kijiji hao, katika kuyaishi maadiri mema. Ndiyo maana watu waliwapatia jina la “ng’ombe waliacha lutuba.”

Methali hiyo, hufundisha watu juu ya kuishi kwa amani na wenzao katika vijiji vyao, ili waweze kusaidiana vizuri katika kuyatekeleza majukumu yao, maishani mwao.

Mathayo 28:16-20.

Yohana 13:34-35.

cow1

cow3

cow4

ENGLISH: COWS LEFT FERTILITY.

The above proverb focuses on a fertile soil that has been left by cattle which lived in the barn for a long time. This fertile soil is known as cow dung manure that continues to grow in that cowshed as the cows continue to live there.

These cows add their stool to that soil as they defecate inside the barn, until they finally stop doing so when they move. In that part of the land, you can make the most of variety of crops which are grown there. That is why people say, “cows left fertility.”

This proverb is likened to people who lived in a certain village until they became well known by many people who stayed with them. These people lived in harmony with the people of that village, because of the way they assisted them in carrying out their duties. They became very well-known to the villagers, because of their peaceful coexistence with them, throughout their lives.

These people are like the cows that left the fertile soil enough to produce good crops, because they, too, set a good example for the villagers, in living a good life. That is why people say to them, “cows left fertility.”

This proverb teaches people on how to live in peace with their neighbors in their villages, so that they can help each other better in carrying out their daily responsibilities in their lives.

Matthew 28: 16-20.

John 13: 34-35.

787. NDALAHI WA LIFA AGAGULEKA GUGULU GUBHIMBA.

Oliyo hoyi munhu umo uyo alioching’wa lifa aha guguku gokwe. Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agalidahijaga ilifa linilo bho nduhu ugulyinja moyi. Abhiye bhagang’wila, “likulage ilifa linilo wangu ligugubhimbya ugugulu goko.” Uweyi agashosha, “akalifa kenaka kadoo noyi ako duhuyi.” Aho olileka ugulyinja ilifa linilo, gugabhimba ugugulu gokwe gunuyo mpaga ushaka gwizuka giki niozunya ugulidubula nigudabhimbile ugugulu gokwe gunuyo. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagang’wila giki, “ndalahi wa lifa agaguleka gugulu gubhimba.”

Ulusumo lunulo, lugalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo agajidahijaga iginhu ijo jidulile gung’wenhela makoye, umukikalile kakwe. Umunhu ng’wunuyo, adaidililaga imihayo iyo bhaling’wila abhiye, kunguno ya libhengwe lwakwe. Uweyi agisangaga wingilaga mumakoye nayo oliadulile ugugiliga, ulu nioidilila imihayo iyo bhang’wilaga abhiye.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agikolaga nuyo agalidahija lifa bho gulileka ugulidubula, mpaga nose gubhimba ugugulu gokwe, kunguno nu weyi agaidalahijaga imihayo iyo bhaling’wila abhiye, aliyo idulile gung’wambilija, umukikalile kakwe. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagang’wilaga giki, “ndalahi wa lifa agaguleka gugulu gubhimba.”

Ulusumo lunulo, lolanga bhanhu higulya ya kuleka nhungwa ja gujidahija iginhu mumho jigadohela kunguno jidulile gubhenhela makoye, umukikalile kabho, kugiki bhadule gugiliga amakoye genayo, na gwikala na bhuyegi, umuwikaji bhobho.

Mathayo 14:9-10.

Luka 9:7-9.

KISWAHILI: MDHALAU MWIBA ALIUACHA MGUU UKAVIMBA.

Alikuwepo mtu mmoja ambaye alichomwa mwiba mguuni mwake. Mtu huyo, aliudharau ule mwiba kwa kuucha bila kuutoa mguuni mwake. Wenzake walimwambia, “ung’oe huo mwiba mapema utauvimbisha mguu wako.” Yeye alijibu, “kamwiba haka ni kadogo mno nikaache tu.” Alipouacha ule mwiba, mguu wake ulivimba mpaka akaanza kujutie kutokukubali kuutoa mapema. Ndiyo maana watu walimwambia kwamba, “mdharau mwiba aliuacha mguu ukavimba.”

Methali hiyo, hulinaganishwa kwa mtu yule ambaye huvidharau vitu vinavyoweza kumletea matatizo katika maisha yake. Mtu huyo, huyadharau maneno ya wenzake wanaomshauri kwa kumtakia mema, kwa sababu ya dharau yake hiyo. Yeye hujikuta ameingia kwenye matatizo hata yale ambayo angeweza kuyatatua kama angeyasikiliza maneno ya wenzake.

Mtu huyo, hufanana na yule aliyeudharau mwiba kwa kuuacha mguuni mwake bila kuung’oa, mpaka mguu wake ukavimba, kwa sababu naye huyadharua maneno ya wale wanaomshauri, ili asiingie matatizoni maishani mwake. Ndiyo maana watu humwambia kwamba, “mdharau mwiba aliuacha mguu ukavimba.”

Methali hiyo, hufundisha watu juu ya kuacha tabia ya kuvidharua vitu hata vikiwa vidogo kiasi gani, kwa sababu vinaweza kuwaletea matatizo, katika maisha yao, ili waweze kuyakwepa matatizo hayo, na kuishi kwa furaha maishani mwao.

Mathayo 14:9-10.

Luka 9:7-9.

thorns

thorn1

thorn

ENGLISH: THE ONE WHO DESPISES A THORN, MAKES ONE LEG SWOLLEN.

There was a man who had a thorn in his leg. He in turn, despised it by leaving it without removing from his leg. His colleagues told him, “Remove that thorn too early it will swell your foot.” He replied, “This thorn is too small for me to leave.” When he let it go of the thorn, his leg became swollen until he began to regret it. That is why people said to him, “the one who despises a thorn, makes one leg swollen.”

This proverb is applied to the person who despises things that can cause him problems in his life. Such a person despises the words of his colleagues who advise him by wishing him well, because of his contempt. He finds himself in trouble with those problems which he could have solved if he had listened to the advises of his fellows.

He is like a man who looked down at his thorn by leaving it in his foot that caused it to swell, because he also refuses advises of others in his life. That is why people say to him, “the one who despises a thorn, makes one leg swollen.”

This proverb teaches people on how to stop despising things no matter how small, because they can bring them problems, in their lives, so that they can avoid them, and live happily in their lives.

Matthew 14: 9-10.

Luke 9: 7-9.

786. NANDI WA NZAGAMBA ADIGASHAGA.

Oliyo munhu uyo agaja gujulanda nzagamba habhuzenganwa. Aho oshika aha kaya yiniyo, agandya guhoyela mihayo yingi duhu, bho nduhu uguyimba ishida yakwe. Nose wiza munhu ungi uyo nang’hwe olandaga nzagamba uyomba, “nizagulanda nzagamba aha kaya yiniyi.” Ung’winikili nzagamba agang’wila, “tulaga yiyo aho.”

Umunhu uyo oli otonga uguja aha kaya yiniyo, nang’hwe agayomba, “nane nizaga gulanda nzagamba.” unsabhi unshokeja, “wishigilwa lulu nu ng’wiyo, iki oliokelejaga ugulomba.” Hunagwene abhanhu bhagayombaga giki, “nandi wa nzagamba adigashaga.”

Ulusumo lunulo, lugalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo agalombaga bhugunanwa kubhiye bho gushiga na guguyombaga umhayo gokwe uyo gonchalaga hoyi. Umunhu ng’wunuyo, adadililaga milimo yingi ulu alitumama nimo nhebhe, kunguno adebhile igiki adulile gwishigilwa na bhiye. Uweyi agapandikaga matwajo mingi kunguno agashigaba na gugutimija umhayo uyo gonchala ahenaho, bho nduhu ugwigasha tamu.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agikolaga nu nandi o nzagamba uyo agapandika bho bho gushiga na gulomba, kunguno nuweyi adadililaga milimo yingi ulu obhuchaga nimo nhebhe. Agagumalaga tamu unimo gokwe. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagang’wilaga giki, “nandi wa nzagamba adigashaga.”

Ulusumo lunulo, lolanga bhanhu higulya ya gudilila milimo yabho chiza bho nduhu ugwigedyagedya, umukikalile kabho, kugiki bhadule gupandika matwajo mingi, umuwikaji bhobho.

Mathayo 19:30.

KISWAHILI: MWAZIMA FAHALI HAKAI.

Alikuwepo mtu aliyeenda kuazima fahali kwa jirani yake. Alipofika kwenye familia hiyo, alikaa na kuanza kuongelea mambo mengine tu badala ya kuitaja kwanza shida yake. Mwishowe akaja mtu mwingine aliyekuwa na shida hiyo akasema, “naazima fahali kwenye familia hii.” Mwenye fahali alimwambia, “swaga ile pale.”

Naye mtu aliyeanza kufika pale akaomba, “nami nimekuja kuazima fahali.” Tajiri akamjibu, “umewahiwa basi, kwa vile umechelewa kuomba.” Ndiyo maana watu husema kwamba, “mwazima fahali hakai.”

Methali hiyo, hulinganishwa kwa mtu yule anayetafuta msaada kwa mwenzake, kwa kufika na kuisema shida yake bila kukawia, katika maisha yake. Mtu huyo, hacheleweshi na mambo mengine anapoamua kutelekeza jambo fulani, kwa sababu anaelewa hasara ya kuwahiwa na wenzake kupata mafanikio. Yeye hupata mafanikio mengi, kwa sababu ya kujali jambo moja kwa wakati mmoja, bila kukaa kwanza, maishani mwake.

Mtu huyo, hufanana na mwazima fahali aliyempata kwa kufika na kutaja shida yake bila kukawia, kwa sababu naye hufuatilia kazi yake mpaka anaimaliza vizuri. Ndiyo maana watu humwambia kwamba, “mwazima fahali hakai.”

Methali hiyo, hufundisha watu juu ya kujali kazi zao kwa kuzifuatilia mpaka mwisho, bila kupoteza muda wao kwenye kazi zingine, katika maisha yao, ili waweze kupata mafanikio mengi, maishani mwao.

Mathayo 19:30.

bull1

bul3

bull2

ENGLISH: A BULL BORROWER DOES NOT SIT (A DETERMINED PERSON NEVER LOSES FOCUS).

There was a man who went to borrow a bull to his neighbor. When he reached that family, he sat down and started talking about other things instead of mentioning his problem first. Finally another person who had the same problem came and said, “I borrow a bull from this family.” The bull owner said to him, “you may take it is there.”

Then the first one to come there also requested, “I have come to borrow a bull.” The rich man replied, “You are late to say because of your staying first instead of requesting it.” That is why people say, “a bull borrower does not sit (a determined person never loses focus).”

This proverb is likened to a man who seeks help from his fellow man, by saying his problem without delay, in his life. This person does not delay by doing other things when he decides to do something, because he understands the disadvantages of being overtaken by his peers in gaining success. This man manages to get a lot of success, because he cares about one thing at a time, without staying in his life.

This man is like a bull borrower who expressed his problem to the bull owner after meeting him, because he also keeps track of his work until he finishes it well. That is why people say to him, “a bull borrower does not sit (a determined person never loses focus).”

This proverb teaches people on how to take care of their jobs by pursuing them to the end, without wasting their time on other careers in their lives, so that they can find more success in their lives.

Matthew 19:30.

785. TUNGE IDAGUMAGA LOYA.

Itunge jilijisumva ijo jigabhulukaga jayiyungula ng’wigulya bho gutumila manana gajo. Aliyo lulu, kihamo nu gwiyungula ung’wigulya chiniko, idagumanga loya loyo, kunguno ya mili goyo guludimila noyi. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagayombaga giki, “tunge idagumaga loya.”

Ulusumo lunulo, lugalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo ali ngugu o sabho jakwe, umukikalile kakwe. Umunhu ng’wunuyo, adahayile ugujifunya isabho jakwe ukubhiye. Uweyi alemile nulu gubhagunana abhiye ijikolo jakwe, kunguno ya bhugugu bhokwe bhunubho. Adabhagunanaga abhiye isabho jakwe mumo bhagabhizila na makoye, umukikalile kakwe.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agikolaga ni tunge iyo idagumaga loya loyo, kunguno nu weyi, adajifunyaga isabho jakwe ukubhiye, umukikalile kakwe. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagang’witanaga lina lya, “tunge idagumaga loya.”

Ulusumo lunulo, lolanga bhanhu higulya ya kuleka bhugugu bho sabho jabho, umukikalile kabho, kugiki bhadule gwiyambilija chiza, ugujibheja ikaya jabho, umuwikaji bhobho.

Marko 10:21-22.

KISWAHILI: POPO HAANGUSHI UNYOYA.

Popo ni kiumbe yule ambaye huruka juu na kuanza kuzunguka kwa kutumia mabawa yake. Lakini basi, pamoja na kuzunguka juu hivyo, hadondoshi unyoya wake, kwa sababu ya mwili wake kuushikiria sana. Ndiyo maana watu husema kwamba, “popo haangushi unyoya.”

Methali hiyo, hulinganishwa kwa mtu yule ambaye ni mbanizi wa mali zake katika maisha yake. Mtu huyo, hataki kuzitoa mali zake hizo kwa wenzake wanaohitaji msaada wake. Yeye hataki hata kutumia mali hizo kwa ajili ya wengine hao, kwa sababu ya ubanizi wake huo. Hakubali kuwasaidia wenzake waliopatwa na matatizo, katika maisha yake.

Mtu huyo, hufanana na popo yule asiye angusha unyoya, kwa sababu naye hatowi mali zake kwa wenzake walio na shida, katika maisha yake. Ndiyo maana watu humwita jina la, “popo haangushi unyoya.”

Methali hiyo, hufundisha watu juu ya kuacha ubanizi wa mali zao, katika maisha yao, ili waweze kusaidiana vizuri katika kuziendeleza familia zao, maishani mwao.

Marko 10:21-22.

bat1

bat2

bat3

ENGLISH: A BAT NEVER DROPS FEATHER.

A bat is a creature that flies high and begins to move around using its wings. But then, despite its moving upwards, it does not drop its feathers, because its body holds them tightly. That is why people say that “a bat never drops a feather.”

This proverb is compared to the person who does like to use his/her possessions for helping others in life. Such person does not want to share his/her properties with others who need support. He/she does not even want to use them for the sake of others, because of ungenerousness. He/she refuses to support those who are in great need in life.

This person is like a bat that does not drop its feather, because he/she also does not share his/her wealth with others who are in trouble. That is why people tell him/her that, “a bat never drops a feather.”

This proverb teaches people about stopping being stingy in their lives, so that they can share their wealth by helping each other better for developing their families in lives.

Mark 10: 21-22.