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

Mbuki ya kahayile kenako ililola milimo yose iyo ilimidimu, kulwa nguno ligikalaga liliho likanza idimu ilyagukoyakoya, aliyo uluugushisha unimo gunuyo ugwasha hela kulwa wiyumilija wenubho.

Akahayike kenako kagalenganijiyagwa kulimunhu uyo agiyumilijaga umuguitumama imilimo yakwe imidimu yiniyo mpaka oimala na opandika matwajo mingi na miza umuwikaji bhokwe. Umunhu ng’wunuyo agayegaga noi uluogapandika amatwajo ga milimo yakwe.

Ijinagongeja, akayayile kenako, kagalenganijiyagwa kubhanhu abho bhagamanaga bhusega ulubhaligusha. Aliyo umuligusha linilo, umo obho adulile guminyika na gwandya gulila. Abhanhu bhaguyomba giki, sega sega igabyalaga lila lila, hi midimu iyiniyo.

Akahayile kenako kalanga bhanhu higulya ya gub’iza na wiyumilija umu milimo imidimu, nguno igenhaga solobho ahabhutongi. Ilichiza uguitumama imilimo yiniyo na wiyumilija bhutale, kulwa nguno idulile gwenha bhuyegi bhutale ahabhutongi yaho.

Akahayile kenako hangi kalanga bhanhu higulya ya kuleka ilishinya ilya sagara. Kunguno, lishinya linilo lidulile gwenha bhusunduhazu bho gulabhuka munhu ose ose. Ilichiza ugwigusha bho masala.

KISWAHILI: CHEKA CHEKA, HUZAA MAGUMU, MAGUMU HUZAA CHEKA CHEKA

Chanzo cha msemo huo chaangalia kazi yoyote ambayo ni ngumu, kwa maana kuna wakati mgumu wa kuhangaka, hata hivyo ukisha imaliza kazi hiyo unapata faida kwa kuvumilia huko.

Msemo huo hulinganishwa kwa mtu avumiliaye katika kufanya kazi zake ambazo ni ngumu mpaka kuzimaliza na kupata matokeo mazuri kwa uvumilivu wake. Mtu huyo hufurahi mno apatapo matunda ya kazi zake.

Zaidi ya hayo, msemo huo hulinganishwa kwa watu wachezao huku wakicheka kwa maana ya kufurahia. Lakini katika mchezo huo, mmoja wao huumia na kuanza kulia. Watu husema, cheka cheka huzaa kilio, hiyo ndiyo migumu kwa watu hao.

Msemo huo hufundisha watu juu ya kuwa na uvumilivu katika kufanya kazi zao zilizongumu, kwa sababu kazi hizo huleta faida maishani mwao. Ni vizuri kuzifanya kazi hizo zilizo ngumu kwa uvumilivu mkubwa, kwa sababu hizo zaweza kuleta furaha kubwa wakati ujao.

Zaidi kwa hayo, msemo huo hufundisha watu juu ya kuacha michezo iliyo ya hovyo, kwa sababu michezo hiyo, huweza kuleta huzuni itokanayo na kuumia kwa mtu yeyote. Ni vizuri kucheza kwa kutumia akili za kutosha kuepuka kupata matokeo mabaya.

Yohana 4:35-36.

Yakobo 5:7-10.

Zaburi 126:5-6.

2Timotheo 2:6.

ENGLISH: LAUGHTER GIVES BIRTH TO DIFFICULTIES; DIFFICULTIES GIVE BIRTH TO LAUGHTER

The above proverb relates to tasks that are considered difficult and which are daunting to perform. However, once accomplished, one reaps the benefits of one’s endurance.

The overhead proverb is compared to a person who undertakes his/her work with diligence and endurance, resulting to effective completion of the exercise. That situation brings a satisfaction to the person as he/she reaps the fruits of his/her labour.

In addition, the proverb is likened to people who enjoy playing and reveling in excitement. However, in the same game, someone can get sick and start grieving. Thus, it said that, ‘laughter gives birth to difficulties; difficulties give birth to laughter.’

The proverb teaches people to exercise patience in doing their work. Hard work guarantees value in life. So, it is good to undertake those hard tasks with a lot of patience; that is a surety for a happy future.

In addition, such proverb cautions against engaging in dangerous games, because some games can bring about grief. It is advisable to play safe to avoid poor outcomes.

John 4: 35-36.

James 5: 7-10.

Psalm 126: 5-6.

2 Timothy 2: 6.

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

Mbuki ya kahayile kenako ililola munhu uyo ali ng’wi owalwa. Ung’wi ng’wunuyo agamanaga uyomba mamihayo ga sagala guti: nabhung’waga bhukomile ng’ombe.

Aliyo bhaliho bhanhu bhangi abho bhatungilwe bhatina wiyabhi bho guja gujung’wa uwalwa bhunubho. Abhanhu bhenabho niyo bhagakalalagwa ulu bhamona munhu uyo ong’waga walwa bhab’iza na nzala nh’ale ya gubhung’wa.

Akahayile kenako kagalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo atogilwa gwita mihayo ya sagara iyo idina solobho uko kaya yakwe. Imihayo yiniyo igakenagulaga sabho ya hakaya yakwe.

Akahayile kenako kulangaga bhanhu higulya ya kuleka ugwita imihayo ya sagala umuwikaji bhobho. Ilichiza abhanhu ugoya ugwikumilija mugwita yabhubhi kunguno iyiniyo igakenagulaga kaya na chalo jabho.

Hangi akahayile kenako kalanga bhanhu higulya ya goya gwikumva ya musi iyo ikomile gulisanya kaya, na nulu bhananzengo. Ilichiza abhanhu bhakalalile mihayo iyo iliya wiza ijinagubheja kaya na chalo jabho.

KISWAHILI: KUSHIBA KWA MLEVI NJAA KWA ALIYEFUNGWA

Chanzo cha msemo huo kinaangalia mtu anayekunywa pombe. Mtu huyo huzungumumza maneno ya hovyo hovyo mfano: nimekunywa yenye kipimo sawa na ng’ombe.

Hata hivyo kuna watu wengine ambao wamefungwa ambao hawana uhuru wa kwenda kunywa pombe. Watu hao hupata hamu ya kunywa pombe wanapomuona mtu aliyekunywa pombe hiyo. Huwa wanakuwa na njaa kubwa ya kuinywa.

Msemo huo hulinganishwa kwa mtu ambaye hupenda kufanya matendo ya hovyo hovyo ambayo hayana maana katika ujenzi wa familia yake. Matendo hayo hubaribu familia yake.

Msemo huo hufundisha watu juu ya kuacha kufanya matendo yasiyofaa katika ujenzi wa familia zao maishani mwao. Huwataka watu hao kuacha kutenda matendo yaliyomabaya kwa sababu matendo hayo huharibu familia na vijiji vyao.

Zaidi ya hayo, msemo huo hufundisha watu juu ya kukoma kutamani mabaya yaliyomo duniani, kwa sababu hayo husambalatisha familia na vijiji vyao. Watu hao hutakiwa kutamani yale yaliyo mema kwa ajili ya kuwawezesha kuzijenga vizuri  familia na vijiji vyao.

Mathayo 7:13-14.

Mathayo 24:37-44.

Luka 13:22-24.

Waebrania 10:24-25.

ENGLISH: A SATISFIED DRUNK; A HUNGRY OF A PRISONER

The above proverb talks about the attitude and behavior of a drunkard. Such a person speaks carelessly, for example he/she would boast: I have drunk the same quantity as that of a cow.

On the other hand, people who are incarcerated do not have the freedom to drink, despite the craving for it whenever they see someone who has taken alcohol. They develop great desire for the drink.

Such proverb is likened to the irresponsible character in some people, for example those who behave in a careless manner. Such sloppy conduct destroys families.

The same principle is used to teach people against engaging in destructive activities that can wreck their families and the community.

In addition, the proverb discourages people against craving worldly things because they destroy families and communities. They are instead encouraged to crave pleasant things that can help bring about development in their societies.

Matthew 7: 13-14.

Matthew 24: 37-44.

Luke 13: 22-24.

Hebrews 10: 24-25.

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

Imbuki ya kahayile kenako ililola munhu uyo alitumamilwa linimo lwakwe aliyo alilibhona giki lilija bhohadohado noi. Umunhu ng’wunuyo aguhaya giko ‘nalizwalile Ng’hinda. Ulu munhu uhaya chiniko, munho amakaga gete ijigugutumama unimo gunuyo bho nguzu jakwe pye.

Akahayile kenako kagalenganijiyagwa nu kulimunhu uyo atogilwe gutumama milimo yakwe chiza, nabho nguzu yakwe pye. Umunhu ng’wunuyo, alinabhukamu bho guyilola chiza imilimo yakwe na gwiyangula gonjeja nguzu ja guitumama chiza na bho wangu wangu aho iligelelwa gwita chene.

Kuyiniyo lulu, akahayile kenako, kalilanga bhanhu higulya ya gub’iza na bhulinguji bho milimo yabho, kugiki bhabhone umo ilijila. Ulu bhubhona giki idujaga chiza imilimo yiniyo, igelelilwe bhiyangule guimakila kugiki idule guja wangu wangu na bho chiza.

Ijinagongeja, akahayile kenako, kalilanga bhanhu higulya ya kub’iza na bhukamu bho gutumama milimo yabho chiza na bho wangu wangu, kugiki bhadule gubheja kaya, jumuiya, na chalo jabho umuwikaji bhobho. Ilichiza ‘bhaizwalile ng’hinda’ imilimo yabho yiniyo.

KISWAHILI: NILIVALIE NJUGA.

Chanzo cha msemo huo kinaangalia mtu anayefanyiwa kazi yake lakini anaona kwamba kazi hiyo inaenda pole pole sana. Mtu huyo, husema kwamba, ‘niivalie njuga, akiwa na maana ya kuongeza bidii kabisa ya kuifanya kazi hiyo kwa nguvu zake zote.

Msemo huo, hulinganishwa kwa mtu apendaye kufanya kazi zake vizuri, kwa bidii na kwa nguvu zake zote. Mtu huyo, ana moyo wa kuzikagua kazi zake na kuamua kuongeza nguvu za kuzifanya kazi hizo vizuri zaidi na kwa haraka iwezekanavyo.

Kwa hiyo basi, msemo huo hufundisha watu juu ya kuwa na muda wa kuzikagua kazi zao ili kuona utekelezaji wake. Endapo watagundua kuwa haziendi vizuri kazi hizo, watakiwa kuamua kuongeza nguvu na bidii katika kuzitekeleza ili ziweze kufanyika vizuri na kwa haraka iwezekanavyo.

Zaidi ya hayo, msemo huo hufundisha watu juu ya kuwa na bidii ya kufanya kazi zao kwa usahihi ili ziweze kuwaletea maendeleo katika familia zao, jumuiya, vijiji na katika Nchi zao.

Ezekieli 34:15-17.

Isaya 6:8.

Luka 14:15-24.

LET ME WEAR BELLS FOR IT

The meaning of the above saying focuses on someone who, while doing his/her work, feels that the progress of the work is too slow. So, to intensify his/her efforts in accomplishing the task, the person would say, ‘let me wear bells for it’.

Such saying is likened to a person who loves doing his/her work well; with diligence and with all his/her might. Such an individual has the will to evaluate his/her tasks and to take decisive action to perform them more effectively than before and as fast as possible.

As such, the adage teaches people about the need to have enough time to evaluate their work for effective implementation. If they realize that the work is not going on well, they should decide to enhance their efforts to have the work done well and as fast as possible.

In addition, such a saying imparts in people the virtue of being hard workers in whatever they do, in order to bring development in their families, villages, communities, and their countries.

Ezekiel 34: 15-17.

Isaiah 6: 8.

Luke 14: 15-24.

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

Imbuki ya kahayile kenako ililola kashinu ako kalina na mitwe ib’ili kulwa nguno ya mili gogo g’ub’iza gwikolile jinachene. Giko lulu abhanhu abhingi bhagakiganikilaga giki kadulile guluma bho gutumila mitwe yago yose, kunguno ya gub’ila na milomo ib’ili. Kulwa nguno yiniyo, abhanhu agakitanaga ka ‘Ndumila hab’ili.’

Akahayile kenako kagalenganijiyagwa nu kuli munhu uyo alina nhungwa ja guchala mihayo ya b’ulomolomo ukubhanhu abhangi. Umunhu ng’wunuyo agalisanyaga bhanhu umumakaya. Hunagwene agalenganijiyagwa na Ndumila hab’ili kunguno ya nhungwa jakwe ijagub’iza na b’ulongo bho gulisanya bhanhu umukaya, nulu umujumuiya jabho nulu umusi jabho.

Akahayile kenako kalilanga bhanhu higulya ya kuleka b’ulomolomo bho gub’alisanya abhanhu umumakaya, nulu umujumuiya jabho. Ilichiza umunhu ab’ize na kajile ka nhungwa imo iyo iliyawiza.

Ijinagongeja, akahayile kenako kalilanga bhabyaji higulya ya gufunya bhulangwa ku bhana bhabho kugiki b’ab’ize na nhungwa imo iyo iliyawiza. Abhana bhenabho, bhaleke ugub’iza na nhungwa ib’ili umuwikaji bhobho. Igeleliwe abhana bhenabho bhakadiimiile akajile ako kadulile gub’enhela mholele umuwikaji bhobho.

SWAHILI: NDUMILA KUWILI

Chanzo cha msemo huo kinaangalia mdudu ambaye hudhaniwa kuwa na vichwa viwili kwa sababu ya mwili wake kuwa na mfanano huo. Watu wengi humfikiria mdudu huyo kama mwenye uwezo wa kuuma kwa kutumia midomo yake miwili. Kutokana na sababu hiyo, watu humwita mdudu huyo, “ndimila kuwili.”

Msemo huo hulinganishwa kwa mtu ambaye huwa na tabia ya hupeleka maneno ya uongo kwa watu wengine. Mtu huyo anatabia ya kuwachonganisha wengine na hivyo kuvunja familia za watu au jumuiya zao.

Mtu huyo hulingaishwa na ndumila kuwili kwa sababu ya tabia yake ya kupeleka maneno hayo ya uongo yachonganishayo watu katika familia zao. Kuchonganisha huko hulinganishwa na kuuma kuwili kwa sababu ya mtu huyo kuongea vizuri akiwa pamoja na wale watu, na kuongea vibaya juu ya watu hao akiwa pamoja na watu wengine.

Msemo huo hufundisha watu juu ya kuacha uongo wa kuchonganisha watu katika familia, jumuiya na nchi zao. Mtu huyo atakiwa kuwa na tabia moja ambayo ni njema katika maisha yake.

Zaidi ya hayo, msemo huo huwafundisha wazazi juu ya kuwalea vizuri watoto wao mpaka kufikia hatua ya kuacha tabia za undumila kuwili. Watoto hao wajijengee tabia moja iliyonjema ili waweze kuishi maisha ya amani na wenzao.

ENGLISH: THE TWO BITING INSECT

The overhead saying is about a bug which seems like it has two heads because its anatomy appears so. Many people think it actually has the ability to bite using its two mouths, thus its name, ‘a two bitings’ insect.

The saying is compared to someone who peddles falsehoods, with an intention of causing disharmony and break ups in families or the community.

Such an individual exhibits a double personality whereby he/she would say pleasant things while in the company of some people, only to speak deceitful words against them when he/she is in the company of others. Such double-speak character is likened to ‘a two biting insect’ tendency.

The above saying imparts people against peddling lies in their families, in their communities and even in their countries. People ought to have a positive, uniting character for the good of the society.

Furthermore, such axiom instils in parents a way on how to raise their children properly enough to avoid double-handed behavior. Their children should develop a singularly pleasant character that can assist them live a peaceful life with their peers.

 

 

 

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

Mbuki ya kahayile kenako ililola Lwinzi. Ulwinzi lunulo lulilwa Nhub’anilwa kunguno lulilutale ulo bhanhu bha nh’ande na nh’ande  b’agisangilaga hoyi gujudaha minzi. Ulwinzi lunulo luli ipande lwa gulumanila abhanhu abha munzengo gwenuyo. Bhingi bhagajaga aha lwinzi lunulo bhagibhona nabho bhiyijimija kale. Lugabhalumanyaga chiza. Abhanhu abhangi bhagideb’aga na b’ichabho ulubhajilaga minzi hoyi.

Abhanhu abhangi bhagajaga gujumala nota jabho bho gupandika minzi na mahoya ayo gadulile gub’ambilija umugujib’eja ikaya jabho. Abhanhu bhagalwitanaga lwinzi lwa nhub’anilwa kunguno lugab’alumanyaga bhanhu bhingi hoyi.

Akahayile kenako, kagalenganijiyagwa nu kuli munhu uyo agikalaga na bhanhu b’ingi ahakaya yakwe. Umunhu ng’wunuyo agikalaga na bhanhu ahakaya yakwe yiniyo abhagufumila mapande na mapande,  kunguno ya wizanholo bhokwe. Agab’igazaga amanile uguhoya na bhananzengo bha muchalo jakwe.

Akahayile kenako kalilanga bhanhu higulya ya kub’iza na kajile ka wizanholo ukubhananzengo bhabho. Akajile kenako kagab’ejaga b’ukihamo bho gudula gub’eja kaya chiza. Ilichiza ugwikala na witogwi na bhanhu ubho b’ugenhaga matwajo gawiza umuwikaji bho musi ng’wenumu.

Ijinagongeja, akahayile kenako kalidulanga higulya ya gub’iza na b’uyegi bho gwikala kihamo na bhananzengo b’igisu.  Dikale na b’uyegi ulu dikumingaga kugiki dudule ugubhalenganija abho bhalinamakoye gudeb’a iyise.

KISWAHILI: KISIMA KINACHOKUTANISHA

Chanzo cha msemo huo kinaangalia kisima. Kisima hicho hukutanisha watu kutoka sehemu mbali mbali kwa sababu ni kikubwa ambacho watu wengi huweza kwenda pale kutela maji.

Watu hukiendea kisima hicho kwa ajili ya kuweza pia kukutana na wenzi wao katika kijiji hicho. Hii ni kwa sababu ya kisima hicho kuwa na uwezo wa kuwakutanisha watu wengi ambao hubadilishana mawazo baina yao kwa ajili ya kuwawezesha kuleta maendeleo katika kijiji chao. Wengine hupata uwezekano wa kufahamiana na watu wapya kupitia kwenye kisima hicho.

Watu wengi huenda mara kwa mara kwenye kisima hicho kwa ajili ya kutuliza kiu yao kwa kupata maji, na wengine kwa ajili ya kupata maongezi yawezayo kuleta maendeleo katika familia zao. Ndiyo maana watu hukiita ‘kisima kinachokutanisha.’

Msemo huo, hulinganishwa kwa mtu ambaye huishi vizuri na watu kwa kuwakaribisha kwake. Mtu huyo mara nyingi huwa na watu nyumbani kwake, kwa sababu ya ukarimu wake. Huwa anafahamu namna ya kuongea na watu katika kijiji chake.

Msemo huo hufundisha watu juu ya kuwa na ukarimu katika familia kwa ajili ya kuishi kwa amani na wanakijiji wenzao. Mwenendo huo hujenga umoja wa kuwawezesha watu kuziletea maendeleo familia zao. Ni vizuri kuishi kwa upendo na watu ule ujengao familia zenye maadili ulimwenguni humu.

Zaidi ya hayo, msemo huo hutufundisha juu ya kuwa na furaha ya kuishi kwa umoja na wanafamilia, jumuiya, na wanakijiji wenzetu. Tufurahie kukusanyika na wenzetu kwa ajili ya kuwapatanisha wale waliokosana katika maeneno yetu, kwa ajili ya kuleta maendeleo kwenye nchi zetu.

ENGLISH: A WELL THAT GATHERS PEOPLE

This saying is about a well. A well brings many people from diverse backgrounds together as they come to draw wáter in it.

People go to the well for an opportunity to connect with their friends in the village. That is because the well has the capacity to unite many people, who then use the opportunity to exchange ideas to enable them bring progress in their village. Others use the opportunity of their presence at the well to make acquaintances with new people.

Many people visit the well on regular basis for the purpose of quenching their thirst, while others for the sake of finding opportunities for useful conversations that are geared towards bringing progress to their families. That is the reason why people refer to it as ‘a well that gathers people’.

That saying is likened to a person who co-exists with others in a pleasant and welcoming manner. Such a person would always play host to people at his/her home because of his/her generosity. He/she knows how to relate well with his/her villagemates.

The saying teaches people about generosity in their families, which results in peaceful co-existence with fellow villagemates. Such a trend builds united people, thus enabling them to bring development in their families. It is good to relate charitably with other people for the sake of enhancing moral values in the society today.

In addition, such saying teaches us about living happily together as family members, as a community and as fellow villagemates. We should be glad to associate with our colleagues and to reconcile with them whenever we disagree. That way, will help bring development in our country.