Sukuma Sayings

1449. ALI NIFOGONG’HO.

Akahayile kenako kamhoyelile munhu uyo wikalaga nifogong’ho. Umunhu ng’wunuyo olilanhanaga chiza ilifogong’ho linilo kunguno ojituulilaga mhiya jakwe moyi ijo jang’wambilija gumala makoye gakwe.

Abhanhu bhagandebha nose igiki agajililaga munuyo imhiya jakwe kunguno wikalaga nalyo nhangala ningi. Hunagwene abhanhu bhenabho bhagayomba giki, “ali nifogong’ho.”

Akahayile kenako kagalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu o masala miza uyo adebhile ugujilanhanga chiza isabho jakwe umukikalile kakwe kenako. Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agabhalangaga abhanhu bhakwe ugujitumamila chiza na gujituula hasoga isabho ijo bhagajipandikaga umutumami bhobho, kunguno ya masala gakwe agawiza genayo umuwikaji bhokwe. Uweyi agapandikaga sabho ningi noyi ahakaya yakwe kunguno ya bhumani bho masala gakwe agagujilanhana chiza isabho jakwe jinijo, umukikalile kakwe kenako.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agikolaga nuyo ojilanhanaga chiza imhiya jakwe bho gujituula mulifogong’ho lyakwe ilo wikalaga nalyo linilo, kunguno nuweyi alina masala miza agagujilanhana chiza isabho jakwe mpaga osabha, umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Hunagwene abhanhu bhaganhayaga giki, “ali nifogong’ho.”

Akahayile kenako kalanga bhanhu higulya ya gubhiza na masala miza agagujilanhanila chiza isabho ijo bhajipandikaga umubhutumami bhobho, kugiki jidule gubhambilija ugubheja chiza umukaya jabho jinijo, umuwikaji bhobho.

Matendo 19:35.

Luka 13:7.

KISWAHILI: ANA MKOBA.

Msemo huo, humwongelea mtu aliye kuwa na mfuko. Mtu huyo aliutunza vizuri mfuko huo kwa sababu aliziweka humo pesa zake zilizomsaidia katika kutatua matatizo yake. Watu walielewa mwishowe kuwa alizitunzia humo pesa zake kwa sababu ya kuwa nao huo mfuko mara nyingi. Ndiyo maana walisema kwamba, “ana mkoba.”

Msemo huo, hulinganishwa kwa mtu mwenye akili za kuelewa kuzitunza vizuri mali zake katika maisha yake. Mtu huyo, huwafundisha watu wake juu ya kuzitumia vizuri na kuzitunzia pazuri mali wanazozipata katika kazi zao kwa njia maisha yake mpaka wanamuelewa vizuri, kwa sababu ya akili zake hizo njema, maishani mwake. Yeye hupata mali nyingi sana katika familia yake hiyo kwa sababu ya uelewa wa akili zake hizo katika kuzitunza vizuri mali zake, katika maisha yake.

Mtu huyo, hufanana na yule aliyezitunza pesa zake kwa kuziweka kwenye mfuko wake aliokuwa nao mara nyingi, kwa sababu naye ana akili njema za kuzitunza vizuri mali zake mpaka anatajirika, maishani mwake. Ndiyo maana watu husema kwamba, “ana mkoba.”

Msemo huo, hufundisha watu juu ya kuwa na akili njema za kuwasaidia katika kuzitunza vizuri mali zao, ili ziweze kuwasaidia katika kuziendeleza vyema familia zao, maishani mwao.

Matendo 19:35.

Luka 13:7.

 

ENGLISH: HE HAS A BAG.

This saying refers to a person who owns a bag. He took good care of the bag because he kept his money in it, which helped him in solving many problems in his life. Over time, people noticed that whenever he needed help, he relied on what was in his bag. They understood that the bag represented his savings and careful planning. That is why they said, “he has a bag.”

This saying is equated to a person who has the intelligence to understand how to take good care of his assets in life. Such a person knows how to manage what he earns through his work. He also teaches his family and those around him how to use and manage their resources wisely. Because of his intelligence and discipline, his family gains wealth and stability in their lives.

This person is similar to the one who protected his money by keeping it safely in his bag. In the same way, he carefully manages his possessions and resources until he becomes prosperous in life. That is why people say of him, “he has a bag.”

This saying teaches people to have wisdom and good sense in managing their possessions, so that their resources can help them develop their families and live well in their lives.

Acts 19:35

Luke 13:7

 

 

 

1448. BHULI NDUMA YINA NDUMA NYIYE.

Aho kale olihoyi ntongeji o muchalo jimo umubhutemi bho bhuduhe. Untongeji ng’wiyuno ofunyaga long’we umuchalo jakwe ya gubhawila abhanhu bhakwe gwitimija iyo ayitogilwe uweyi kunguno ya bhutale bhokwe bhunubho. Uweyi agageniha ugafunya long’we muchalo ja bhange kunguno oliadajidebhile chiza inbinbi ja bhugelelo bho chalo jakwe. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagang’wila giki, “bhuli nduma yina nduma nyiye.”

Akahayile kenako kagalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo alinibhengwe kubhiye lya guyomba mihayo yakwe bho nduhu gubhiza na lubhimbi, umukikalile kakwe.  Umunhu ng’wunuyo agayombaga mihayo yakwe bho gubhadalahija abhiye umumahoya gakwe kunguno ya libhengwe lyakwe linilo, umuwikaji bhokwe. Uweyi agikalaga widuma na bhanhu bhuli makanza aha kaya yakwe yiniyo, kunguno ya libhengwe lyakwe linino ilya guyomba mihayo yakwe bho nduhu gubhiza na lubhimbi, umukikalile kakwe kenako.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agikologa nu ntongeji uyo oliadajimanile inbinbi ja chalo jakwe mpaga nose ugafunya long’we muchalo ja bhangi, kunguno nuweyi alinibhengwe lya guyomba mihayo yakwe bho nduhu gubhiza na lubhimbi, umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagang’wilaga giki, “bhuli nduma yina nduma nyiye.”

Akahayile kenako kalanga bhanhu higulya ya gubhiza na witegeleja bho guchagulila mihayo miza ulubhalihoya na bhanhu bhabho umumahoya gabho, kugiki bhadule gujilela chiza ikaya jabho jinijo, umuwikaji bhobho.

Matendo ya mitume 13:45-47.

Isaya 28:10-13.

KISWAHILI: KILA MKUBWA ANA MKUBWA WAKE.

Hapo zamani alikuwepo kiongozi wa kijiji kimoja katika utawala wa bhuduhe. Kiongozi huyo, alikuwa akitoa amri kwa watu wake ya kuwaambia watekeleze kile alichokitaka yeye kwa sababu ya ukubwa wake huo. Yeye alienda ugenini akaanza kutoa amri kwenye kijiji ambacho siyo chake, kwa sababu hakuifahamu vizuri mipaka ya kijiji chake. Ndiyo maana watu walimwambia kwamba, “kila mkubwa ana mkubwa wake.”

Msemo huo, hulinganishwa kwa mtu yule ambaye anadharau kwa wenzake ya kuongea maneno bila ya kuwa na mipaka, katika maisha yake. Mtu huyo, huongea maneno yake kwa kuwadharau wenzake katika maongezi yake hayo kwa sababu ya dharau yake hiyo kwa wenzake, maishani mwake. Yeye hukosana na watu wake mara nyingi katika familia yake kwa sababu ya dharau yake hiyo ya kuongea maneno bila kuwa na mipaka, katika maisha yake hayo.

Mtu huyo, hufanana na yule kiongozi asiyeielewa mipaka yake mpaga akatoa amri kwenye kijiji cha mwingine, kwa sababu naye anadharau ya kuongea maneno yake bila ya kuwa na mipaka, maishani mwake. Ndiyo maana watu humwambia kwamba, “kila mkubwa ana mkubwa wake.”

Msemo huo, hufundisha watu juu ya kuwa na umakini wa kuchagua vizuri maneno ya kuongea na watu katika maongezi yao, ili waweze kuzilea vyema familia zao, maishani mwao.

Matendo ya mitume 13:45-47.

Isaya 28:10-13.

 

ENGLISH: EVERY BIG HAS HIS BIG.

Once upon a time, there was a village leader in the Bhuduhe administration. Because of his position and authority, he often gave orders to his people, expecting everyone to obey him. One day, he traveled abroad and began giving orders to people in another village that was not under his leadership. He did this because he did not understand the boundaries of his authority. That is why people said to him, “every big has his big.”

This saying is compared to a person who is disrespectful to his peers by speaking without limits in his life. Such a person talks carelessly and despises others through his words. Because of this behavior, he often quarrels with members of his family and community. His problem is not strength or wisdom, but the failure to know when and how to speak with respect.

That person is like the village leader who did not understand his limits and gave orders in another man’s village. In the same way, he speaks as if no one is above him, forgetting that there is always someone greater or wiser. That is why people remind him by saying, “every big has his big.”

This saying teaches people to be careful with their words and to respect boundaries when speaking to others. By choosing the right words and knowing their limits, people can live peacefully and raise their families well in their lives.

Acts 13:45–47.

Isaiah 28:10–13.

 

 

 

 

1445. INHANDA IGAPUGIJIYAGWA KULE.

Imbuki ya lusumo lunulo ihoyelile ningi o ndimu yose yose iyo ilinhanda. Uningi o ndimu yiniyo agatumilaga masala mingi uguilinga indimu yiniyo mpaga oipuja kunguno adadulile uguipuja bho guibhulugutila sagala. Uweyi agayizaga bho chiza chiza, haho itali kule kunguno idulule gunemaja ulu wiyegela sagala sagala. Hunagwene agayombaga giki, “inhanda igapugijiyagwa kule.”

Ulusumo lunulo lugalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo adebhile ugwikala chiza nu munhu unshilimu umukikalile kakwe. Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agahoyaga nu munhu unshilimu bho gutumila masala mingi ayo gagang’wambilijaga ugwikala chiza nanghwe, nulu gunanda jiloko kunguno ya witegeleja bhokwe bhunubho umuwikaji bhokwe. Uweyi agikalaga bho mholele nu munhu unshilimu ng’wunuyo, kunguno ya witegeleja bhokwe bhunubho, umukikalile kakwe kenako.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agikolaga nu ningi o ndimu uyo agatumila masala mingi mpaga wipuja bho kule indimu inhanda yiniyo, kunguno nuweyi agatumilaga masala mingi mpaga wikala chiza nu munhu unshilimu ng’wunuyo, umuwikaji bhokwe. Hunagwene agayombaga giki, “inhanda igapugijiyagwa kule.”

Ulusumo lunulo lolanga bhanhu higulya ya gubhiza na witegeleja bho gubhambilija ugutumama milimo yabho na gwikala chiza na bhanhu, kugiki bhadule kupandika matwajo mingi umuwikaji bhobho bhunubho.

Luka 16:1-8.

KISWAHILI: MJANJA HUNASWA KWA MBALI.

Chanzo cha methali hiyo huongelea mwindaji wa mnyama yeyote yule ambaye ni mjanja. Mwindaji wa mnyama huyo hutumia akili nyingi za kumwinda mnyama huyo mpaka anafanikiwa kumnasa kwa sababu hawezi kumnasa kwa kumuijia hovyo. Yeye humwendea polepole akiwa mbali kwa sababu mnyama huyo anaweza hata kumjeruhi akimwendea hovyo. Ndiyo maana yeye husema kwamba, “mjanja hunaswa kwa mbali.”

Methali hiyo, hulinganishwa kwa mtu yule anayeelewa kuishi vizuri na mtu mjanja, katika maisha yake. Mtu huyo, huongea na mtu mjanza kwa kutumia akili nyingi ambazo humsaidia katika kuishi naye vizuri hata hufikia hatua ya kumuazima vitu, kwa sababu ya umakini wake huo, maishani mwake. Yeye huishi kwa amani na mtu mjanja kwa sababu ya umakini wake huo katika maisha yake.

Mtu huyo, hufanana na yule mwindaji aliyetumia akili nyingi mpaka akamnasa kwa mbali mnyama mjanja, kwa sababu naye hutumia akili nyingi mpaka anaweza kuishi vizuri na mtu mjanja, maishani mwake. Ndiyo maana yeye husema kwamba, “mjanja hunaswa kwa mbali.”

Methali hiyo hufundisha watu juu ya kuwa na umakini wa kutumia akili nyingi katika kuyatekeleza majukumu yao na kuishi na watu wao vizuri, ili waweze kupata maendeleo mengi, maishani mwao.

Luka 16:1-8.

ENGLISH: “A CUNNING ONE IS CAUGHT FROM A DISTANCE.”

This proverb originates from the experience of a hunter pursuing a dangerous or cunning animal. Such an animal cannot be captured by approaching it carelessly or directly, because it may escape or even harm the hunter. Instead, the hunter must use patience, strategy, and intelligence, observing the animal carefully and approaching it slowly from a safe distance until the right moment comes. Because of this careful method, people say, “a cunning one is caught from a distance.”

The proverb teaches that dealing with a clever, difficult, or cunning person requires wisdom and careful thinking. One cannot interact with such a person casually or emotionally. Instead, a person must use intelligence, attentiveness, and self-control in communication and actions.

A wise person knows how to speak carefully, act thoughtfully, and relate peacefully even with a cunning person. Through wisdom and patience, he may live well with such a person, borrow from him, work with him, or coexist without conflict. Peace is maintained not by confrontation, but by understanding and prudence.

This wise person resembles the hunter who successfully captured a cunning animal by using intelligence and distance rather than force. In the same way, he manages relationships wisely, avoiding unnecessary danger while still achieving his goals in life. That is why it is said, “a cunning one is caught from a distance.”

The proverb teaches people to act wisely and intelligently in their daily duties and relationships. Careful thinking, patience, and strategic behavior help a person make progress in life and live peacefully with others, even in challenging situations.

This wisdom is reflected in Luke 16:1–8, where Jesus praises the shrewd manager, not for dishonesty, but for acting wisely and thoughtfully in a difficult situation. The passage highlights the value of prudence and intelligence in dealing with complex realities of life.

 

 

1444. B’UH’I NA B’UH’I.

Akahayile kenako kaholelile wingi bho bhanhu abho bhalikuminga hali ntale obho. Abhanhu bhenabho bhanumbilijaga untale obho ng’wunuyo kunguno ya gubhalanhana chiza umuchalo jabho jinijo. Hunagwene bhanhu bhagawitana uwingi bho bhanhu bhenabho giki “b’uh’i na b’uh’i.”

Akahayile kenako kagalenganijiyagwa kubhazunya abho bhagikumingaga kunamya na gumnumbilija Mulungu unanhani obho, umuwikaji bhobho. Abhazunya bhenabho, bhagisumbyaga gunyanya Mungu, gudegeleka mhayo gokwe bho gusoma shandikwa shela, na kunumbilija kuwiza bhokwe ubho gubhalanhana chiza umuwikaji bhobho bhunubho. Abhoyi bhagapandikaga nema na mbango ja gwikala na bhuyegi umukaya jabho kunguno ya guwikalanga chiza ubhuzunya bhobho bhunubho, umukikalile kabho.

Abhanhu bhenabho bhagikolaga nabho bhalibhikuminga kunumbilija untale obho uyo agabhalanhana chiza, kunguno nabho bhagikumingaga kunamya na gunumbilija Mulungu uyo agabhalanhanaga chiza, umuwikaji bhobho. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagawitanaga uwikumingi bhobho giki, “b’uh’i na b’uh’i.”

Akahayile kenako kalanga bhazunya higulya ya guwikalana chiza ubhuzunya bhobho bho gugikalana chiza amalagilo ga ng’wa Mulungu, kugiki bhadule gupandika mbango ja gujilela chiza ikaya jabho mpaga bhashige Ng’wigulu.

Ufunuo 7:9.

Mwanzo 1:28-31.

Mwanzo 15:4-6.

KISWAHILI: UMATI NA UMATI.

Msemo huo, huongelea wingi wa watu waliokusanyika kwa kiongozi wao. Watu hao, walikusanyika kwa lengo la kumshukuru kiongozi wao huo kwa kuwaongoza na kuwalinda vizuri katika kijiji chao hicho. Ndiyo maana watu waliuita wingi wa watu hao jina la “umati na umati.”

Msemo huo hulinganishwa kwa wakristo wale ambao hukusanyika kumuabudu na kumshukuru Mungu awalindaye, maishani mwao. Wakristo hao, hukusanyika, kumwabudu Mungu, kumsikiliza kwa kusoma Biblia, na kumshukuru kwa wema na ulinzi wake anaowajalia, katika maisha yao. Wao hufanikiwa kupata nema na baraka za kuishi kwa furaha katika familia zao, kwa sababu ya kuuishi vyema ukristo wao huo, maishani mwao.

Watu hao, hufanana na wale waliokusanyika kumshukuru kiongozi wao aliyewalinda vyema, kwa sababu nao hukusanyika kumwabudu na kumshukuru Mungu kwa wema na ulinzi wake anaowajalia, maishani mwao. Ndiyo maana watu huuita mkusanyika wao huo jina la “umati na umati.”

Msemo huo, hufundisha wakristo juu ya kuuishi vyema ukristo wao kwa kuyaishi vizuri maagizo ya Mungu, ili waweze kupata baraka za kuzilea vyema familia zao, na kufika Mbinguni.

Ufunuo 7:9.

Mwanzo 1:28-31.

Mwanzo 15:4-6.

 

ENGLISH: CROWD AND CROWD.

This saying refers to a large gathering of people assembled around their leader. The people come together to thank their leader for guiding them well and protecting their village. Because of the great number of people gathered in unity, this assembly is called “crowd and crowd.”

This saying is compared to Christians who gather together to worship and thank God, who protects them in their lives. These Christians come together to praise God, and listen to Him through reading the Bible, as well as giving thanks for His goodness and protection. By living their Christian faith faithfully, they receive blessings and graces that enable them to live happily and peacefully in their families.

Just as the people gathered to thank their leader for his care and protection, Christians also gather to worship and thank God for His constant goodness and protection in their lives. For this reason, their gathering is also called “crowd and crowd.”

This saying teaches Christians the importance of living their faith well by obeying God’s commandments. By doing so, they receive blessings in their family life and are guided on the path that leads to Heaven.

Revelation 7:9.

Genesis 1:28–31.

Genesis 15:4–6.

 

1443. MUUMBI.

Akahayile kenako kahoyelile nimo go guubhumba jikolo. Olihoyi munhu uyo obhunbaga nungu umuchalo ja gabhale. Umunhu ng’wunuyo ajibhuumbaga inungu ginijo jagulwa na bhanhu kunguno ojibhumbaga chiza. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagang’witana giki, “muumbi.”

Akahayile kenako kagalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo agankujaga Mulungu umsumbi o jivumva jose, umukikalile kakwe. Umunhu ng’wunuyo agankujaga Mulungu bho gwikala na bhanhu chiza kunguno ya bhutungulija bhokwe ubho gudebha igiki abhenabho bhalijisumva jakwe Umsumbi o jose. Uweyi agabhalangaga abhanhu bhose gunzunya Mulungu bho gwikala nabho bho nhungwa jakwe ijawiza jinijo umubhulamu bhokwe bhunubho.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agikolaga nuyo ojibhumbaga chiza inungu jakwe mpaga abhanhu bhajigula, kunguno nuweyi abhalangaga abhanhu gunzunya Mulungu mpaga bhayikala na nhungwa jawiza, umuwikaji bhobho. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagang’witanga giki, “muumbi.”

Akahayile kenako kalanga bhanhu higulya ya gubhalanga gunzunya Mulungu umsumbi o ginhu jose, bho gwikala nabho chiza, kugiki bhadule gushiga Ng’wigulu.

Zaburi 104:24.

Mwanzo 1:1-3.

Mwanzo 2:1-4.

KISWAHILI: MUUMBAJI.

Msemo huo, huongelea kazi ya kuumba vitu. Alikuwepo mtu aliyekuwa akifinyanga vyungu katika kijiji cha Gabale. Watu walikuwa wakivinunua vyungu alivyovifinyaga mtu huyo kwa sababu alivitengeneza vizuri. Ndiyo maana watu walimuita jina la “muumbaji.”

Msemo huo, hulinganishwa kwa mtu yule ambaye humtukuza Mungu aliyeviumba vitu vyote, maishani mwake. Mtu huyo, huntukuza Mungu kwa kuishi na watu wake vizuri kwa sababu ya uaminifu wake huo wa kutambua kuwa, hao ni viumbe wa huyo Muumba wa vyote. Yeye huwafundisha watu juu ya kumwamini Mungu kwa njia ya kuishi nao vizuri hivyo, maishani mwake.

Mtu huyo, hufanana na yule aliyefinyanga vyungu vyake vizuri mpaka watu wakavinunua, kwa sababu naye hugeuza mioyo ya watu kuwa mizuri, kwa kuwafundisha kumwamini Mungu, kwa njia ya maisha yake. Ndiyo maana watu humuita jina la “muumbaji.”

Msemo huo, hufundisha watu juu ya kuishi maisha yawafundishayo wenzao kumwamini Mungu, kwa kuishi nao vizuri, ili waweze kufika Mbinguni.

Zaburi 104:24.

Mwanzo 1:1-3.

Mwanzo 2:1-4.

 

ENGLISH: CREATOR

This saying refers to the work of creating. There was a man in the village of Gabale who made pots. He shaped them carefully and skillfully, and because his pots were strong and beautiful, people were eager to buy them. Because of his excellent work, the people called him a “creator.”

This saying is likened to a person who glorifies God, the Creator of all things, through his life. Such a person honors God by living well with others and by showing faithfulness, recognizing that all people are creatures of the one true Creator. Through his good conduct, he teaches others to believe in God.

Just as the potter carefully molded his pots until they were useful and desirable, this person shapes the hearts of others toward goodness by the example of his life. Through his actions and faith, he leads people closer to God. That is why he is also called a “creator.”

This saying teaches people to live in a way that inspires others to believe in God. By living peacefully, faithfully, and righteously with others, they guide their peers on the path that leads to Heaven.

Psalm 104:24.

Genesis 1:1–3.

Genesis 2:1–4.