Sukuma Proverbs

771. IJILINA NGIMBI JIKOKALAGA LUGEGA.

Imbuki ya lusumo lunulo, ilolile lugega ulo jili jiseme ja kubhukija bhusiga wingi aliyo jilidololo. Umunhu ulu ujibhona ijiseme jinijo adulile gujidalaha, kunguno ya bhudoo bhojo. Hunagwene abhanhu ulu bhajibhona jabhuchaka bhusiga wingi, bhagayombaga giki, “ujilina ngimbi jikokalaga lugega.”

Ulusumo lunulo, lugalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo agabhadalahaga abhanhu kunguno ya bhudoo bho mimili yabho. Umungu ng’wunuyo, adadebhile igiki umunhu adulile gubhiza na mili mtale aliyo adumile ugutumama imilimo umukikalile kakwe. Uweyi agakunywaga noyi ulu ubhona munhu ndoo alitumama nimo ntale gulebha uyo otumamaga untale.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agikolaga nabho bhagajidalagha ijigabu ijidoo ubhogujilola aliyo jigabhuchaga bhusiga wingi, kunguno nuweyi agabhadalagaha abhanhu abho bhalina mimili midoo, aliyo bhagatumamaga milimo mitale. Hunagwene agabhawilaga abhanhu giki, “ijilina ngimbi jigokalaga lugega.”

Ulusumo lunulo, lolanga bhanhu higulya ya kuleka gubhadalaga abhanhu kunguno ya mimili yabho midoo, kugiki bhadule gutumama milimo yabho chiza na kupandika matwajo mingi, umuwikaji bhobho.

Mathayo 13:53-58.

Marko 6:39-44.

Luka 9:34-36.

KISWAHILI: KILICHO NA MWENYE MIUJIZA HUJAA KAPU.

Chanzo cha methali hiyo, chaangalia kikapu ambacho ni chombo ja kubebea mtama mwingi ingawa chenyewe ni kidodo. Chombo hicho, mtu akikiona aweza kukidharau, kwa sababu ya udogo wake. Ndiyo maana watu wakikiona kimeba mtama mwingi, husema kwamba, “kilicho na mwenye miujiza hujaa kapu.”

Methali hiyo, hulinganisha kwa mtu yule ambaye huwadharau watu kwa sababu ya udogo wa miili yao. Mtu huyo, hafahamu kwamba, mtu aweza kuwa na mwili mkubwa lakini akawa hawezi kufanya kazi, katika maisha yake. Yeye hushangaa sana akiona mtu mdogo anafanya kazi kubwa kupita ile aliyoifanya mtu mkubwa.

Mtu huyo, hufanana na wale waliokidharau kikapu kile kidogo kilichobeba mtama mwingi, kwa sababu naye huwadharau watu wenye miili mdogo lakini hufanya kazi kubwa. Ndiyo maana watu huwaambia kwamba, “klicho na mwenye miujiza hujaa kapu.”

Methali hiyo, hufundisha watu juu ya kuacha kuwadharau watu kwa sababu ya miili yao midogo, ili waweze kuyatekeleza vizuri majukumu yao, na kupata maendeleo mengi, maishani mwao.

Mathayo 13:53-58.

Marko 6:39-44.

Luka 9:34-36.

 

basket1

basket5

basket3

ENGLISH: WHAT HAS A MIRACLE FILLS THE BASKET.

The cradle of the proverb looks at the basket which is a container for carrying a lot of sorghum even though it is small. The vessel, if one sees it, may despise it, because of its small size. That is why when people see it carrying a lot of sorghum, they say, “what has a miracle fills the basket.”

The proverb, however, compares the person who despises people because of their small size. Such person is unaware that someone may have a large body but is unable to function, in his or her life. He is very surprised to see a young boy does a bigger job than what a big man did.

That person is like those who despised the small basket that contained the large amount of sorghum, because he also despises people who are small but do a great job. That is why people say to them, “what has a miracle fills the basket.”

This proverb teaches people to stop despising people because of their small bodies, so that they can better fulfill their responsibilities enough to get more progress, in their lives.

Matthew 13: 53-58.

Mark 6: 39-44.

Luke 9: 34-36.

 

770. BHUNAMHALA BHUTINA HEMBE.

Ulusumo lunulo, lulolile bhukuji bho bhanhu mpaga kubhu namhala. Umunhu ulu unamhala agabhizaga na makoye mingi kunguno ya kutumama milingi ya  gubhalunganija abhanhu bhabho abho bhidumaga. Uweyi aganogaga mpaka nose omala ubhuyegi, kunguno nugusimiza gugabhizaga ukoya. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagayombaga giki, “bhunamhala bhutina hembe.”

Ulusumo lunulo, lugalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo agayilang’hanaga chiza ikaya yakwe, umukikalile kakwe. Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agabhalabhilaga chiza abhanamhala na bhagikulu, kunguno aidebhile imilimo yakwe. Uweyi agatumamaga milimo yakwe bho bhukamu bhutale mpaka opandika matwajo mingi ayogadulile gubhapandikila jiliwa abhanhu bhakwe.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agikolaga nu namhala uyo agabhizaga na makoye mingi, kunguno nuweyi, agiluhyaga bho gutumama milimo mingi iyo idulille guyibheja chiza ikaya yakwe. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagang’wilaga giki, “bhunamhala bhutina hembe.”

Ulusumo lunulo, lolanga bhanhu higulya ya gubhalabhila chiza abha namhala na bhagikulu bhabho, umukikalile kabho, kugiki bhadule gwikala bho mholele umubhutumami bho milimo yabho.

Warumi 8:18.

2 Wakorintho 4:16-19.

KISWAHILI: UZEE HAUNA RAHA.

Methali hiyo, huangalia kukua kwa mtu hadi kufikia uzeeni. Mtu akizeheka huwa na matatizo mengi kwa sababu ya kujibidisha kufanya kazi za kuwatunza na kuwaunganisha watu wake. Yeye huchoka mpaka kufikia hatua ya kukosa furaha kwa sababu ya kupata matatizo mengi hata kutembea huwa ni kwa shida. Ndiyo maana watu humwambia kwamba, “uzee hauna raha.”

Methali hiyo, hulinganishwa kwa mtu yule ambaye huiendesha vizuri familia yake, katika maisha yake. Mtu huyo, huwalinda vizuri wazee kwa sababu ya uelewa mzuri wa majukumu yake alio nao kwenye familia yake. Yeye hujibidisha kufanya kazi zake vizuri ili aweze kupata mafanikio ya kutosha kuiendesha familia yake hiyo.

Mtu huyo, hufanana na mzee aliyekosa raha, kwa sababu naye hujitesa kwa kuyatekeleza kwa bidii majukumu yake ili aweze kujipatia mafanikio mengi ya kuitunza familia yake. Ndiyo maana watu humwambia kwamba, “uzee hauna raha.”

Methali hiyo, hufundisha watu juu ya kuwatunza vizuri wazee wao, kwa kuwapatia mahitaji yao, katika maisha yao, ili waweze kuishi kwa amani katika utekelezaji wa majukumu yao.

Warumi 8:18.

2Wakorintho 4:16-19.

ENGLISH: OLD AGE HAS NO COMFORT (BEING OLD DOES NOT MAKE ONE HAPPY).

This proverb looks at the growth of a person from birth hood to an old age. As a person grows older, he/she faces several difficulties because of having various responsibilities such as: hard working and taking care of his/her people. He/she now and again gets tired to the point of feeling unhappy because of facing so various complications that even walking becomes a difficult exercise. That is why people say, “old age has no comfort.”

The above proverb is likened to a person who runs his/her family well, in life. Such person, is able to protect the elderly because of having a better understanding of his or her family responsibilities. He/she strives to fulfill his/her duties to the point of being successful enough to run well the whole family.

That person is like the restless old person, who also suffered for his/her own hard works in caring for his/her family’s needs. That is why people say to him/her, “old age has no comfort.”

This proverb teaches people how to take good care of their elders, by providing them with basic needs, in their lives, so that they can live peacefully in the discharge of their tasks.

Romans 8:18.

2Corinthians 4: 16-19.

769. UNENE NALI NTWE MOGWA.

Ulusumo lunulo, lwingilile kukikalile kabhanhu bha muchalo jilebhe. Akikalile ka bhanhu bhenabho, kali kagwihugula bhuli ng’wene uyo ohubhaga. Umo obho agabhahubhila abhiye, ulomba bhulekejiwa aliyomba, “nilekejagi bhadugu bhanhe nahubhaga, nadushokeja hangi.” Abhiye bhumhuja, “dugwinhe jilipilo ki?”

Uweyi agashosha, “unene nali ntwe mogwa.” Ukwene huguhaya giki, uweyi opolaga guti numo gugapolelaga untwe uyo guli mogwa. Hunagwene abhanhu abho bhahubhaga ukubhichabho bhagayombaga giki, “unene nali ntwe mogwa.”

Ulusumo lunulo, lugalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo alina widohya bho gudebha bhuhubhi bhokwe na gulomba gulekejiwa kubhiye abho obhahubhilaga, umukikalile kakwe. Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agikalaga bho mholele na bhiye kunguno ya widohya bhokwe bhunubho. Uweyi agabhambilijaga abhanhu bhakwe ugwikala kihamo, kunguno ya nhungwa jakwe gubhiza jawiza.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agikolaga nuyo agalomba gulekejiwa na bhiye abho obhahubhilaga, kunguno nuweyi alinawidohya bho gulomba bhulekejiwa ulu ohubhilaga, umukikalile kakwe. Hunagwene agayombaga giki, “unene nali ntwe mogwa.”

Ulusumo lunulo, lolanga bhanhu higulya ya gubhiza na widohya bho guzunya bhuhubhi bhobho na gulomba gulekejiwa, kugiki bhadule gwikala chiza na kupandika mafumilo mingi umubhutumami bho milimo yabho.

Isaya 50:4-7.

KISWAHILI: MIMI NI KICHWA KINYOLEWACHO.

Methali hiyo, ilianzia kwenye maisha ya watu wa kijiji fulani.  Maisha hayo, yalikuwa ya kuongozana kwa kuonyana kila mmoja aliyekosea. Mmoja aliwakosea wenzake akaomba msamaha kwa kusema, “nisameheni ndugu zangu nimekosa, sitarudia tena.” Wenzake walimuliza, “tukupatie adhabu gani?”

Yeye alijibu, “mimi ni kichwa kinyolewacho.” Hivyo ndivyo kusema, yeye ametulia kama kichwa kituliavyo wakati kikinyolewa. Ndiyo maana watu wanapokosea husema kwamba, “mimi ni kichwa kinyolewacho.”

Methali hiyo, hulinganishwa kwa mtu yule ambaye ana unyenyekevu wa kutambua makosa yake na kuomba msamaha kwa wale aliowakosea, katika maisha yake. Mtu huyo, huishi kwa amani na wenzake, kwa sababu ya unyenyekevu wake huo. Yeye huwasaidia watu wake kuishi kwa pamoja, kwa sababu ya tabia yake njema.

Mtu huyo, hufanana na yule aliyeomba msamaha kwa wenzake aliowakosea, kwa sababu naye ana unyenyekevu wa kuomba msamaha kila anapokosea, katika maisha yake. Ndiyo maana yeye husema kwamba, “mimi ni kichwa kinyolewacho.”

Methali hiyo, hufundisha watu juu ya kuwa na unyenyekevu wa kukiri makosa yao, na kuomba msamaha, ili waweze kuishi vizuri na kupata maendeleo mengi katika utekelezaji wa majukumu yao.

Isaya 50:4-7.

ENGLISH: I AM A SHAVED HEAD (I AM AT THE MERCY OF CIRCUMSTANCES).

The above proverb originated from the lives of people who lived in a certain village. Their life was accompanied by warning each other of wrongdoings. One who offended the other apologized, by saying, “Forgive me, my brothers, I have sinned, I will never do it again.” His companions asked him, “What punishment should we inflict?”

He replied, “I am a shaved head.” That is to say, he is as calm as a calm head when shaved. That is why when people make a mistake say, “I am a shaved head.”

This proverb is likened to a man who is humble enough to acknowledge his wrongdoings enough to apologize to those who he has wronged, in his life. Such man, on the other hand, lives in peace with his fellows, because of his humility. He helps his people to live together, because of his good conduct.

This person is like the one who apologized to his fellow human beings after doing wrong to them, because he too has the humility to apologize whenever he has done wrong, in his life. That is why he says, “I am a shaved head.”

This proverb imparts in people an idea on how to be humble enough to admit their mistakes by apologizing after doing wrong, so that they can live well with other enough to get more progress their responsibilities.

Isaiah 50: 4-7.

768. LUPI LWA NG’WITOGWI LUDAMINYAGA.

Bhalihoyi bhanhu abho bhalibhitogilwe, umukikalile kabho. Aliyo lulu, abhanhu bhenabho, nhangala ningi bhikalaga bhagwitulaga mapi. Amappi gabho galigadabhaminyaga kunguno ya witogwi bhobho. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagayombaga giki, “Lupi lwa ng’witogwi ludaminyaga.”

Ulusumo lunulo, lugalenganijiyagwa kubhanhu abho bhagikalaga bhitogilwe akahaya yabho. Abhanhu bhenabho, bhadadilaga ugwilekeja ulu bhidumaga, kunguno ya wiyumilija bhobho ubho wikala kihamo. Abhoyi bhagatumamaga kihamo imilimo yabho, kunguno ya witogwi bhobho bhunubho, umukikalile kabho.

Abhanhu bhenabho, bhagikolaga na bhitogwi abho bhagilekejaga wangu ulu bhidumaga, kunguno na bhoyi bhagilekejaga ulubhidumaga na gwiyumilija gutumama milimo yabho kihamo, umuwikaji bhobho. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagabhawilaga giki, “Lupi lwa ng’witogwi ludaminyaga.”

Ulusumo lunulo, lolanga bhanhu higulya ya gubhiza na witogwi bho gwilekeja wangu ulu bhidumaga, umuwikaji bhobho, kugiki bhadule gwiyumilija uguitumama chiza milimo iyagujibhegeja ikaya jabho.

Mithali 3:11-12.

Ayubu 5:17-20.

Waebrania 12:5-6.

KISWAHILI: KOFI LA MPENZI HALIUMIZI.

Walikuwepo watu ambao walikuwa wanapendana sana. Lakini basi watu hao walikuwa wapigana makofi mara kwa mara. Makofi yao yalikuwa hayawaumizi, kwa sababu ya upendo wao walio nao kwa kila mmoja. Ndiyo maana watu husema kwamba, “kofi la mpenzi haliumizi.”

Methali hiyo, hulinganishwa kwa watu wale wanaoishi kwa upendo, kwenye familia yao. Watu hao, hupatana mapema wanapokosana, kwa sababu ya uvumilivu wao wa kuishi pamoja. Wao hutekeleja makukumu yao, kwa ushirikiano wa pamoja, kwa sababu ya upendo walionao, maishani mwao.

Watu hao, hufanana na wapenzi wanaosameheana mapema kila wanapokosana, kwa sababu nao husameheana na kuvumiliana katika utekelezaji wa majukumu yao, maishani mwao. Ndiyo maana, watu huwaambia kwamba, “kofi la mpenzi haliumizi.”

Methali hiyo, hufundisha watu juu ya kuwa na upendo wa kusameheana mapema wanapokoseana, maishani mwao, ili waweze kuvumiliana pamoja katika ushirikianao wao ya kuyatekeleza vizuri majukumu ya kuziendeleza familia zao.

Mithali 3:11-12.

Ayubu 5:17-20.

Waebrania 12:5-6.

ENGLISH: A LOVER’S SLAP NEVER HURTS.

There were people who were very much in love for each other. But they were constantly clapping each other in their daily lives. Their applause did not hurt them, because of their love for each other. That is why people say, “a lover’s slap never hurts.”

This proverb is compared to people who love each other in their family. These people get along early even when they quarrel, because of their patience which is strong enough to live together. They carry out their duties, by having mutual co-operations, because of the love they have for each other in their lives.

These people are like lovers who forgave each other early in their lives after quarreling, because they also forgive and tolerate each other in the discharge of their responsibilities, in their lives. That is why people tell them, “a lover’s slap never hurts.”

This proverb teaches people to have a genuine love that can enable them to forgive each other as soon as they have wronged each other, in their lives, so that they can tolerate each other in their co-operations for fulfilling their daily responsibilities enough to develop their families.

Proverbs 3: 11-12.

Job 5: 17-20.

Hebrews 12: 5-6.

766. GUMILA IGUHA UDALAGANILE NA MILO.

Ulusumo lunulo, lulolile munhu uyo alimila iguha aliyo lulu umilo gokwe adagubhegelejije chiza. Olihoyi munhu uyo olyaga nyama kihamo na maguha gajo. Ohayimanila onigwa iguha aha milo gokwe kunguno oliadajibhegelejije chiza ijimilo jakwe.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agabhiza uduuma ugulya kunguno ya gumila iguha bho nduhu ugulagana chiza nu milo gokwe. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagayombaga giki idichiza, “gumila iguha udalaganile na milo.

Ulusumo lunulo, lugalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo agatumamaga nimo uyo adina bhudula nago, umukikalile kakwe. Umunhu ng’wunuyo, adibhegelejaga chiza haho atale ugugwandya unimo gokwe. Adaimalaga imilimo yake kunguno ya gukija guidilila chiza, umukikalile kakwe. Uweyi agapandikaga makoye ga gugayiwa ijiliwa, umuwikaji bhokwe.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agikolaga nuyo agamilaga iguha bho nduhu ugujibhegeleja chiza ijimilo jakwe, kunguno nuweyi agatumamaga milimo bho nduhu ugwibhegeleja chiza, umukikalile kakwe. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagang’wilaga giki, idichiza “gumila iguha udalaganile na milo.”

Ulusumo lunulo, lolanga bhanhu higulya ya gudilila milimo yabho bho gwibhegeleja chiza haho bhatali uguyandya uguitumama, kugiki bhadule gupandika matwajo mingi, umuwikaji bhobho.

Luka 14:28-30.

KISWAHILI: KUMEZA MFUPA HUKUAHIDIANA NA KOLOMEO.

Methali hiyo yaangalia mtu aliyekuwa anameza mfupa bila kuliandaa vizuri kolomeo lake. Alikuwepo mtu mmoja ambaye alikuwa anakula nyama pamoja na mifupa yake. Alishitukia amekwamiwa na mfupa huo kwenye koo lake, kwa sababu  ya kutokuliandaa vizuri kolomeo lake.

Mtu huyo alishindwa kuendelea kula kwa sababu ya kumeza mfupa bila kuliandaa vizuri kolomeo lake. Ndiyo maana watu walimwambia kwamba siyo vizuri, “kumeza mfupa hukuahidina na kolomeo.”

Methali hiyo, hulinganishwa kwa mtu yule ambaye hufanya kazi asizo na uwezo nazo, katika maisha yake. Mtu huyo, huwa hajiandai kabla ya kufanya kazi hizo. Ndiyo maana, huwa hazimalizi kazi zake kwa sababu ya kutokuzijali vizuri, katika maisha yake. Yeye hupata matatizo mengi yakiwemo yale ya kuishiwa chakula katika familia yake.

Mtu huyo, hufanana na yule aliyemeza mfupa bila kuliandaa vizuri kolomeo lake, katika maisha yake, kwa sababu yeye hufanya kazi zake bila ya kujiandaa vizuri. Ndiyo maana watu humwambia kwamba, siyo vizuri, “kumeza mfupa hukuahidina na kolomeo.”

Methali hiyo, hufundisha watu juu ya kuzijali kazi zao kwa kujiandaa vizuri kabla ya kuanza kuzitekeleza, ili waweze kupata maendeleo mengi, maishani mwao.

Luka 14:28-30.

bones eating1

bones eating2

ENGLISH: TO SWALLOW BONES WITHOUT HAVING AN AGREEMENT WITH AN ESOPHAGUS (TO DO SOMETHING WITHOUT WEIGHING THE PROS AND CONS).

The overhead proverb looks at a person who swallowed a bone without properly preparing his/her throat. There was a man who was eating meat with bones. He was shocked to find that the bone was stuck in his throat, because he had not properly prepared his esophagus.

Such man could not continue to eat because he felt pain in his esophagus. That is why people told him that it was not good, “to swallow bones without having an agreement with an esophagus.”

This proverb is compared to the person who performs incompetent tasks in his life. Such person does not have good preparations before performing his/her works. That is why he/she does not finish his works because lacking the required preparations before doing them. He/she suffers from many problems, including malnutrition in his family.

This person is like the one who swallowed a bone without properly preparing his throat, in his life, because he does his job without having good preparations. That is why people tell him that, it is not good, “to swallow bones without having an agreement with an esophagus.”

This proverb imparts in people an ideo on how to take care of their works by preparing well before they start doing them, so that they can get a lot of progress, in their lives.

Luke 14: 28-30.