Research sponsored by: Don Sybertz, with special thanks to Rev Joe Healey (African Proverbs, Sayings and Stories)

Imbuki ya lusumo lunulo inolile munhu uyo agapelenaga wangu umung’holo yakwe. Umunhu ng’wunuyo ulu ukenyiwe nulu hadoo  agab’izaga ng’wangu ugupelana.  Adadulile ugwiyumilija, kunguno ing’holo yakwe idinshikanu. Hunagwene, abhanhu bhagang’witana umunhu ng’wunuyo giki, ‘munhu uyo adina ng’holo.’

Ulusumo lunulo lugalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo adinabho uwiyumilija ubho wikala na bhiye bho mholele na bhuyegi. Umunhu ng’wunuyo agikalaga adakile umung’holo yakwe, kunguno ya kubhapelelanila abhiye abho bhankenyaga, nulu hadoo duhu.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo adib’aga wangu ulukenyiwa na bhiye, kunguno ya ng’holo yakwe yiniyo gub’iza idinabho ubhukomezu ubho gubhalekega abho bhankenyaga. Umunhu ng’wunuyo atogilwe gwikala bhung’wene aha ng’wakwe, kunguno adinayo ing’holo ya gwikala bho mholele na bhiye.

Ulusumo lunulo lolanga bhanhu higulya ya gub’iza na wiyumilija, ubho gudula gwikala na bhanhu bho mholele na bhuyeji. Uwiyumilija bhunubho bhugubhab’egeja bhutogwa ubho gubhalekeja abhobhab’akenyaga, umumyoyo yabho. Umugwita chiniko, bhagudula gwikala na bhanhu bho mholele ya gudula gujibheja chiza ikaya jabho.

Ayubu 2:9-10.

KISWAHILI: MTU ASIYE NA ROHO

Chanzo cha methali hiyo chaangalia mtu ambaye hukasirika upesi moyoni mwake akikosewa. Mtu huyo ni mwepezi sana wa hukasirika akikosewa hata kidogo tu na wenzake. Huwa hawezi kuvumilia kwa sababu ya roho yake kukosa ukomavu, wa kuishi kwa kupatana vizuri na wenzake. Ndiyo maana watu humwita mtu hiyo,  kwamba ni ‘mtu asiye na roho.’

Methali hiyo hulinganishwa kwa mtu asiyekuwa na uvumilivu wa kumwezesha kuishi kwa furaha na amani na wenzake. Mtu huyo huwa amekasirika moyoni mwake kwa sababu ya kuwakasirikia wenzake waliomkosea, hata kama amekosewa kwa kiwango kidogo kiasi gani.

Mtu huyo akikosewa na wenzake, huwa hasahau upesi kwa sababu ya roho yake hiyo kukosa ukomavu wa kuwasamehe wenzake waliomkosea moyoni mwake. Mtu huyo hupenda kuishi peke yake nyumbani kwake, kwa sababu ya kukosa roho ya kuishi kwa amani na wenzake.

Methali hiyo hufundisha watu juu ya kuwa na uvumilivu wa kuwawezesha kuishi na watu kwa furaha na amani. Uvumilivu huo huwajengea watu hao upendo mioyoni mwao wa kuwawezesha kuwasamehe wenzao waliowakosea. Kwa kufanya hivyo, wataweza kuishi na watu kwa amani iwezayo kuziendeleza vizuri familia zao.

Ayubu 2:9-10.

 

ENGLISH: ONE WITHOUT A SOUL

The above proverb talks about people who get annoyed quickly whenever they are offended. They are intolerant and they get infuriated easily by their peers. A person who possesses such a character is usually referred to as “one without a soul.”

The proverb is comparable to a person who lacks enough patience to enable him/her live happily with other people. When such a person is upset by others, even if just a little bit, he normally gets filled with so much resentment against them.

When the person is offended by his/her colleagues, he/she does not quickly forget it because of his/her weak soul that lacks the spirit of forgiveness. A person of that nature prefers to live in solitude because he/she is deficient of the spirit of peace to live with other people.

Such proverb teaches people about the importance of having patience because it enables them to relate happily and peacefully with others. The spirit of patience builds in people’s hearts the ability to forgive their trespassers, which results in peaceful co-existence among them as well as in the improvement of their families.

Job 2: 9-10.

Research sponsored by: Don Sybertz, with special thanks to Rev Joe Healey (African Proverbs, Sayings and Stories)

Imbuki ya lusumo lunulo ilolile munhu uyo witilagwa yabhubhi. Umunhu uyo alimakoye ng’wunuyo adulile gub’iza ohakaya, nulu umuchalo jako. Uweyi opandikaya makoye ayo bhagamanile na ab’iye. Umub’iye munumo bhalihoi abhagunsunduhalia na abhagunsega.

Gashinaga ugunsega munhu uyo witilagwa yabhubhi, nulu uyo apandikaga makoye, ikolile na gwiseka b’eb’e ng’winikili, kunguno ahashigu ijahabhutongi, nang’ho udulile gupandika makoye ayo galagukola. Hunagwene bhagahayaga giki, ‘ishankola ng’wiyo nang’ho shilagukola.’

Ulusumo lunulo lugalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo agayegaga ulu ng’wiye witilagwa yabhubhi. Agansekaga umunhu ng’winuyo. Aliyo lulu, ulu witilwa weyi iyabhub’i yiniyo agukolwa. Gashinaga guligonghana igiki, ‘Ishankola ng’wiyo nang’ho shilagukola.’

Ulusumo lunulo lolanga bhanhu higulya ya guleka guyega ulu b’ichab’o bhitilagwa yabhub’i, kunguno nabho, bhagukolwa ulu b’itilwa iyabhubhi yiniyo. Hichine guhaya giki, ‘ishankola ng’wiyo nang’ho shilagukola.’ Gashinaga lulu, ulu ulu umona  ng’wiyo agwitilagwa, yabhubhi udizuyega, kunguno ulu witilwa nu bhebhe ugukolwa. Dudizubhaseka abhanhu abho bhalina makoye.

Ijinagongeja ulusumo lunulo lolanga bhanhu hugulya ya kub’ambilija chiza abhichab’o abho b’itilagwa yabhubhi, nulu abho bhapandikaga makoye, kunguno nabho bhagamikaka gutumo bhagaminyikilaga abhoi. Yigelelilwe bhab’ize kihamo nabho abhichab’o bhenabho umumakoye gabho, kunguno ‘Ishankola ng’wiyo nang’ho shilagukala.’

Zaburi 35:13.

Waroma 12:15-18.

Waebrania 13:3.

KISWAHILI: KILICHOMKASILISHA MWENZAKO NAWE KITAKUKASILISHA

Chanzo cha methali hiyo chaangalia mtu afanyiwaye maovu. Mtu huyo aliyeko kwenye matatizo aweza kuwa mwanafamilia au mkaazi wa kwenye kijiji chako. Yeye amepata matatizo  ambayo na wenzake wayafahamu. Kati ya hao wenzake, wapo wa kumhurumia, na wale watakaomcheka.

Kumbe kumcheka mtu aliyefanyiwa uovu au yule aliyepata matatizo hufanana na kujicheka wewe mwenyewe, kwa sababu katika siku za mbeleni, nawe waweza kupata matatizo yatakayokukasilisha. Ndiyo maana watu husema kwamba, ‘Kilichomkasilisha mwenzako nawe kitakukalisilisha.’

Methali hiyo, hulinganishwa kwa mtu mwenye tabia ya kuwacheka wenzake wafanyiwapo maovu. Huwacheka watu hao, lakini kama akifanyiwa yeye maovu hayo hukasilika. Kumbe, kuna ukweli kwamba, ‘Kilichomkasilisha mwenzako nawe kitakukasilisha.’

Methali hiyo hufundisha watu juu ya kuacha tabia ya kuwacheka watu waliofanyiwa maovu, kwa sababu, wakifanyiwa wao maovu hayo, watakasilika. Ndiyo kusema hivi, ‘kilichomkasilisha mwenzako, nawe kitakukasilisha.’ Kumbe basi, usimcheke mwenzako aliyefanyiwa maovu, kwa sababu, ukifanyiwa wewe maovu hayo, utakasilika. Kwa hiyo, tusiwacheke watu walio na matatizo.

Zaidi ya hayo, methali hiyo hufundisha watu juu ya kuwasaidia vizuri wenzao waliotendewa maovu, au wale waliopata matatizo, kwa sababu nao huumia kama waumiavyo wao. Yafaa tuwe pamoja nao, wenzetu hao, kwenye matatizo yao, kwa sababu, ‘kilichomkasilisha mwenzako, nawe kitakukasilisha.’

Zaburi 35:13.

Waroma 12:15-18.

Waebrania 13:3.

ENGLISH: WHAT MADE YOUR FELLOW ANGRY WILL ALSO MAKE YOU ANGRY

The basis of that proverb is about a victim of evil, either in the family or in the village. Because of the terrible experiences, such a person is ridiculed by his/her colleagues. However, among them, there are those who may sympathise with him/her.

The wise saying therefore postulates that laughing at someone who is in trouble is like laughing at oneself. That is why people say, “What made your fellow angry will also make you angry.”

The message in that epigram is likened to a person who prides in ridiculing those in distress. He/she laughs at them, oblivious of the fact that he/she might be faced with similar wrath in future. Thus, “What made your fellow angry will also make you angry.”

Such epigram is used to caution people against the habit of disparaging others who may have undergone difficult situations. They will feel angry; just the same way someone else will feel angered when despised by others. So, we should not despise those in problems.

In addition, the proverb imparts in people the spirit of helping those who may have suffered, or been treated badly. Essentially, we should be close to all of them as companions who share in their problems, because, “What made your fellow angry will also make you angry.”

Psalm 35:13.

Romans 12: 15-18.

Hebrews 13: 3.

Research sponsored by: Don Sybertz, with special thanks to Rev Joe Healey (African Proverbs, Sayings and Stories)

Imbuki ya Lusumo lunulo ilolile mito ayo galigabhubhi umubhanhu. Amito genayo gagitagwa bhujiku, kunguno abhobhagagitaga b’adahayile ugubhonwa na bhanhu. Hichene bhagahayaga giki, ‘ijacha bhujiku ningi.’

Ulusumo lunulo lugalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo alina nhungwa ja gwita mito ga bhub’i umukikalile kakwe. Umunhu ng’wunuyo agiitaga iyabhab’i yiniyo wib’isile kugiki atizubhonwa na bhanhu.

Uwibhisi bhunuyo wikolile na bhujiku umo bhanhu agagitililaga amito agabhub’i genayo.  Umunhu ng’wunuyo agabhizaga atogilwe ugwikala umugiti, kugiki adule ugwib’eja iyabhab’i yiniyo bho nduhu abhangi ugumona. Amito agabhub’i genayo gagasalambanyaga kaya ja bhanhu.

Ulusumo lunulo lolanga bhanhu higulya ya kuleka ugugita amito agabhub’i, kunguno gagakenagulaga kaya ja bhanhu. Hangi gaginjaga mholele uku mioyo ya bhanhu. Yigelelilwe abhanhu bhab’ize na nhungwa ja gwita mito ayo galigawiza. Amito genayo hayo gadulile gubhambilija abhanhu bhenab’o umujigujib’eja chiza ikaya jabho.

Ijinagongeja ulusumo lunulo lolanga bhanhu higulya ya guleka gulunga bhunwani na bhanhu abho bhalinanhungwa ja gwita mito gabhab’i umukikalile kabho. Yigelelilwe abhanhu bhanwane na bhanhu abho bhalina nhungwa ja wiza, kugiki bhadule ugujib’eja chiza ikaya jabho.

Yohana 3:18-21.

Waroma 13:11-14.

KISWAHILI: VILIVYOKUFA USIKU NI VINGI

Chanjo cha methali hiyo chaangalia matendo maovu kwa watu. Matendo hayo hufanywa usiku kwa sababu wale wayafanyao hawataki watu wengine wawaone. Ndiyo maana watu husema kwamba, ‘vilivyokufa usiku ni vingi.’

Methali hiyo hulinganishwa kwa mtu ambaye ana tabia ya kutenda matendo maovu katika maisha yake. Mtu huyo huyafanya matendo hayo maovu akiwa amejificha ili watu wasiweze kumuona.

Hali hiyo ya kujificha hufanana na usiku ambao watu huutumia kufanya maovu. Mtu huyo hupenda kuishi gizani ili aweze kutenda matendo hayo maovu bila kuonekana kwa watu. Matendo hayo husambalatisha familia.

Methali hiyo hufundisha watu juu ya kuacha tabia ya kutenda maovu kwa sababu tabia hiyo, husambalatisha familia za watu. Tabia hiyo pia huondoa amani mioyoni mwa watu. Yafaa watu wawe na tabia njema ya kuwasaidia katika kutenda matendo mema badala ya maovu. Matendo hayo mema huwasaidia watu katika kuzijenga vizuri familia zao.

Zaidi ya hayo, methali hiyo hufundisha watu juu ya kuvunja urafiki na watu wenye tabia ya kutenda maovu maishani mwao.Yafaa watu wawe marafiki wa watu walio na tabia njema, kwa ajili ya kuziletea maendeleo familia na jumuiya zao.

Yohana 3:18-21.

Waroma 13:11-14.

ENGLISH: MANY ARE THEY THAT DIED AT NIGHT

The above proverb is about people and their evil activities. Evil things are done at night to hide the identities of those responsible for them. That is the basis of the proverb, “Many are they that died at night.”

The message in the adage is likened to a person who prides in evil-doing. Usually, the person does those evil things in secrecy to avoid being caught or seen.

Doing things in secrecy is akin to using the cover of darkness to perform evil deeds. A person who does that prefers darkness to help escape the scrutiny of the people. Assuredly, such conduct destroys families.

The proverb is used to caution people against doing evil because not only does it rip families apart but also robs them of the peace in their hearts. People are encouraged to do good deeds rather than engage in evil acts. Good works build families.

Moreover, this epigram teaches people about the vanity of keeping wicked friends. Friendships with evil-doers should be broken. Accordingly, people ought to be friends only with those with good character, for the sake of ensuring progress in their family and the community.

John 3: 18-21.

Romans 13: 11-14.

 

Research sponsored by: Don Sybertz, with special thanks to Rev Joe Healey (African Proverbs, Sayings and Stories)

Imbuki ya lusumo lunulo ililola Ngoso. Ingoso jilisumbwa ijo jilidololo gete. Aliyo lulu, ingogo yiniyo yajaga gwagwagwa gujubebena, nulu gujulya ndili ya mhuli, iyo ili ndimu noi na hangi ilinhale gete. Iki ingoso yiniyo bhuligwa ikalaga igujaga yagabebena, nose igimala yose ndili yiniyo kihamo nubhudimu, nu bhutale bhoyo bhunubho.

Ulusulo lunulo lugalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo agatumamaga nimo ntale na ndimu bho gumana uja bhuli lushigu ogagutumama. Umunhu ng’wunuyo agadulaga ugugumala unimo gokwe gunuyo, kimamo na bhutale bhogo, kunguno ya gumana uja ogagutumama bhuli lushigu.

Gashinaga yigelelilwe umunhu agudilile chiza unimo gokwe bhogumana uja bhuli lushugu ogagutumama, nose agugumala duhu, ahashigu ijahabhutongi, mumo gugakulila, nulu mumo gugadamila unimo gunuyo.

Ulusumo lunulo lolanga bhanhu higulya ya gubhiza na bhukamu bho guyuja gujuitumama chiza imilimo yabho bhuli lushuku. Ubhukamu bhunubho bhugubhambilija chiza uguimala pye iyose imilimo yabho, na gupandika matwajo mingi ayogadulile gujibheja chiza ikaya ni jumuiya jabho.

Ijinagonja, ulusumo lunulo lolanga bhanhu higulya ya gubhiza na wiyumilija bhoguitumama chiza imilimo yabho gosegose, iyo ilimitale guti gulimila ngese ingitu nulu inhale gete. Uwiyumilija bhunubho bhugubhambilija uguitumama bhuli lushigu mpaga bhuimala imilimo yabho yiniyo.

KISWAHILI: TAFUNA TAFUNA KILAKUKICHA  KILA SIKU, PANYA ALIMAZA NGOZI YA TEMBO.

Chanzo cha methali hiyo chaangalia Panya. Panya ni kiumbe kidogo kabisa. Lakini basi, Panya huyo alikuwa akienda kila siku kutafuna au kula ngozi ya Tembo ambayo ni ngumu sana, tena ni kubwa kabisa. Kwa vile panya huyo alikuwa akienda kila siku kuitafuna au kuila, mwishowe, aliimalima ngozi hiyo, pamoja na ugumu pia ukubwa wake huo.

Methali hiyo, hulinganishwa kwa mtu ambaye hufanya kazi kubwa na ngumu kwa kuendelea kwenda kuifanya kila siku. Mtu huyo huweza kufaulu kuimaliza kazi hiyo yote, pamoja na ukubwa au ugumu wa kazi hiyo, kwa sabahu ya kuendelea kwake kwenda kuifanya kila siku.

Kumbe yafaa mtu aijali kazi yake kwa kwenda kuifanya kila siku, mwishowe ataimaliza tu katika siku za mbeleni, hata kama kazi hiyo itakuwa kubwa au ngumu kiasi gani.

Methali hiyo yafundisha watu juu ya kuwa na bidii ya kwenda kufanya kazi kila siku. Bidii hiyo itawasaidia katika kuzimaliza kazi zao na kupata mavuno mengi yawezayo kutumika katika kuziletea maendeleo familia na jumuiya zao.

Zaidi ya hayo, methali hiyo hufundisha watu juu ya kuwa na uvumilivu  katika kuyatimiza majukumu yao, yakiwemo yale ya kufanya kazi ngumu za kupalilia palizi zenye nyasi kubwa au zile zilizoshonana kabisa. Uvumilivu huo utawasaidia katika kuzifanya kazi hizo kila siku mpaka watazimaliza.

Luka 9:62.

Wagalatia 6:9.

Waebrania 10:38.

Wafilipi 3:12.

ENGLISH: NIBBLE NIBBLE DAY IN DAY OUT, THE RAT ATE UP THE WHOLE ELEPHANT’S HIDE

The above proverb relates to one of the activities of a mouse, which is a very tiny creature. The proverb states that when the rat chews repeatedly on the elephant hide, which is quite big and very hard, it eventually finishes it off. And that is in spite of the scoundrel’s small size. It is the rat’s consistency – of biting away and eating the hide day in day out – that pays off.

The proverb is likened to someone who does great and difficult work through every day effort. Such a person succeeds in completing the task, despite its difficulty or magnitude, because of his/her continuous attempts at it.

It is fundamental for a person to care about his/her work by doing it consistently, for he/she is bound to complete it eventually, be it overwhelming or difficult in nature.

The adage teaches people on how to work hard every day. That is because such zeal will enable them complete their work and obtain bounty harvest for the benefit of their families and communities.

In addition, the truism imparts in people the virtue of patience in carrying out their responsibilities, which may include the difficult exercise of weeding tough grassy areas. Such patience will help them in performing those tasks until they complete them.

Luke 9:62.

Galatians 6: 9.

Hebrews 10:38.

Philippians 3:12.

Research sponsored by: Don Sybertz, with special thanks to Rev Joe Healey (African Proverbs, Sayings and Stories)

Imbuki ya lusumo lunulo ililola nyama ja munda giti: itima, nholo, ihela, na mg’higo. Inyama jinijo jidakomelagwa kunguno jigab’izaga jilijangu ugub’ipa na jidazunije ugutandwa. Jigazugagwa  wangu wangu haho jitali ugub’ipa.

Ulusumo lunulo lugalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo aganguhaga uguitumama imilimo yakwe. Umunhu ng’wunuyo agab’izaga adeb’ile ugujib’igeja milimo  ijikolo jakwe haho jitali ugub’ipa. Igelelilwe abhanhu bhaitumame wangu wangu imilimo yabho kugiki bhadule uguimala bho nduhu ugukeleja.

Ijinagongeja, igelelilwe bhuli munhu agadeb’e amakanza agagujitumamila chiza ijikolo jakwe haho jidinamipila, kunguno bhuli jikolo jigabhizaga na makanza gajo agajitumila.

Ulusumo lunulo lolanga bhanhu higulya ya gwanguha ugujutumama imilimo yabho na kuitumama chiza, kugiki bhadule gupandika matwajo mingi agagudula gub’apandikila jiliwa, myenda na numba.

Igelelilwe abhanhu bhajilanije chiza na makanza guti gulima gwandya b’ogwanguha haho amaswa gatali uguzwa. Aliyo uyo alalindile, agub’iza okelejaga ugulima na akalimile kakwe kagub’iza kamakoye.

Ijinagongeja, ulusumo lunulo lolanga bhanhu higulya ya gudebha ugujitumila chiza ijikolo ijo bhalijipandika, haho gadinashiga amakanza agagub’ipa gojo. Igelelilwe gujib’egeja milimo bho gujitumila gwandya ijo jigabholaga wangu, haho jitali ugwandya ugubhola.

KISWAHILI: NYAMA ZA TUMBONI HAZIBANIKWI.

Chanzo cha methali hiyo chaangalia nyama za ndani kama vile: maini, bandama, moyo na figo. Nyama hizo huwa hazibanikwi kwa sababu huharibika mapema. Pia ni laini mno kuzikata kwa mstali utakiwao katika kuzibanika. Huwa zinaliwa mapema baada ya mnyama kuchinjwa.

Methali hiyo hulinganishwa kwa mtu ambaye huwahi kuzifanya kazi zake na kuzimaliza ndani ya wakati unaotakiwa kufanyika kwake. Mtu huyo huwa na ufahamu juu ya kuzifanyia kazi pia mali zake au vitu vyake mapema kabla havijaharibika. Yafaa watu wazifanye kazi zao mapema ili waweze kuzimaliza mapema itakiwavyo.

Zaidi ya hayo, yafaa kila mtu afahamu muda wa kuvitumia vizuri vitu vyake na avitumie kabla hazijaharibika, kwa sababu kila kitu kina muda wake maalumu wa kutumika.

Methali hiyo hufundisha watu juu ya kuwahi kuzifanya kazi zao vizuri ili ziweze kuwapatia mahitaji yao ya kutosha yakiwemo yale ya: kupata chakula, nguo na malazi.

Yafaa watu waendane na muda unaotakiwa katika kuifanya kazi fulani, kama vile kuwahi kulima kabla majani hayajaanza kuota. Lakini mtu akichelewa kufanya hivyo, kazi itakuwa ngumu kiasi cha kumpatia shida mkulima huyo wakati aanzapo kulima.

Zaidi ya hayo, methali hiyo hufundisha watu juu ya kufahamu kuzifanyia kazi vizuri mali zao walizozipata kabla ya muda wake wa kutumika kupita. Yafaa kuvifanyia kazi vitu hivyo kabla hazijaanza kuoza.

2Wakoritho 6:2.

Wagalatia 6:9.

Luka 12:54-56.

Waroma 12:11.

ENGLISH: INNER MEAT IS NEVER DRIED

The overhead proverb relates to the meat that is constituted by the inner parts of an animal, such as liver, heart and kidneys. Those meats are usually not dried because they go bad fast. They are also too tender to allow for effective preparation to dry. They get rotten almost soon after the animal is slaughtered.

The proverb is likened to a time-conscious person who is able to accomplish his/her duties within set timelines. Such a person possesses the capacity to determine the stock of his/her assets and is able to tell their expiry or use-by date. People need to discharge their duties in good time in order to complete them early enough.

In addition, it is good for everyone to understand how to utilize their property well before they get damaged. This is because everything has its usability period.

Such proverb teaches people on the importance of working diligently so that they can be self-sufficient in terms of basic needs like food, shelter and clothing.

It is imperative for people to move according to proper time schedules in undertaking their duties, for instance cultivation before germination. In case of delay, the farmer finds it rough having to deal with weeds.

Furthermore, the proverb instills in people the value of good work ethics – like how to exploit their assets before they are time-barred. Such assets ought to be exploited before they start to rot.

2 Corinthians 6: 2.

Galatians 6: 9.

Luke 12: 54-56.

Romans 12:11.