Sukuma Sayings

1477. NGENI NGUNANHA CHALO.

Olihoyi munhu uyo agageniha muchalo jilebhe. Ungeni ng’wunuyo, osulujaga jikolo ijo jalinduhu umuchalo jinijo kunguno bhalibhagayiwa uogubhachalila ijikolo jinijo. Abhanhu bhanebho bhagayega noyi kunguno ya gujipandika ijikolo jinijo ijo bhajigayiwa kale. Hunagwene bhangang’witana ungeni ng’wunuyo giki, “ngeni ngunanha chalo.”

Akahayile kenako kagalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo alina bhutogwa bho gubhambilija abhanhu abho bhalina makoye umukikalile kakwe. Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agabhalumanyaga abhanhu abho bhidumaga umuchalo jakwe bho bhuyomba mihayo ya nhana kunguno ya bhutogwa bhokwe bhunubho, umuwikaji bhokwe. Uweyi agabhayangulaga chiza abhanhu bha muchalo jinijo mpaka bhikala bho mholele kunguno ya bhutogwa bhokwe bhunubho, umunhu ung’wunuyo, ubho gubhalumanya chiza abhanhu bha muchalo jinijo.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agikolaga nu ngeni uyo agagunanha chalo bho guchala jikolo ijo jalinduhu umuchalo jinijo, kunguno nuweyi agabhagunanaga abhanhu bha muchalo jakwe bho gubhayangula chiza abho bhidumaga mpaga bhidebha chiza, umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagang’witanaga giki, “ngeni ngunanha chalo.”

Akahayile kenako kalanga bhanhu higulya ya gubhiza na bhutogwa bho gubhagunanha abhanhu bhabho bho gubhalumanya chiza, kugiki bhadule gwikala bho mholele umuchalo jabho jinijo, umuwikaji bhobho.

Mwanzo 42:4.

Mwanzo 41:37-41.

KISWAHILI: MGENI MSAIDIA KIJIJI.

Alikuwepo mtu aliyetembelea kijiji fulani. Mgeni huyo, alikuwa akiuza kitu ambacho hakikuwepo kwenye kijiji hicho kwa sababu ya kukosa watu wa kuwaletea vitu hivyo. Watu hao walifurahi sana kwa sababu ya kuvipata vitu hivyo walivyovikosa kwa muda mrefu. Ndiyo maana walimuita mgeni huo jina la “mgeni msaidia kijiji.”

Msemo huo, hulinganishwa kwa mtu yule ambaye ana upendo wa kuwasaidia watu walio na matatizo, katika maisha yake. Mtu huyo, huwapatanisha watu waliokosana katika kijiji chake kwa kuwaambia watu wake ukweli kwa sababu ya upendo wake huo, maishani mwake. Yeye huwawezesha watu wa kijiji hicho kwa kuwapatanisha vizuri, kwa sababu ya upendo wake huo wa kuwaaunganisha watu vizuri, katika kijiji hicho.

Mtu huyo, hufanana na yule mgeni aliyekisaidia kijiji kwa kuwapelekea vitu ambavyo hawakuwa navyo, kwa sababu naye huwasaidia watu kwa kuwapatanisha vizuri wale waliokosana mpaka wanaishi kwa amani maishani mwao. Ndiyo maana watu hao humuita jina la “mgeni msaidia kijiji.”

Msemo huo, hufundisha watu juu ya kuwa na upendo wa kuwasaidia watu wao kwa kuwapatanisha vizuri, ili waweze kuishi kwa amani katika kijiji chao, maishani mwao.

Mwanzo 42:4.

Mwanzo 41:37-41.

 

ENGLISH: A VILLAGE HELPER GUEST

There was once a man who visited a certain village. He was a stranger there. He brought goods to sell items that had never been available in that village before, because no one had ever brought them. The villagers were very happy because they finally received things which they had lacked for a long time. For this reason, they called him “the village helper guest.”

This saying is compared to a person who loves helping others in life. Such a person supports those who face difficulties and reconciles those who are in conflict. He speaks the truth with love and brings people together. Because of his desire to unite others, he strengthens the community and restores peace among them.

That person is like the stranger who helped the village by bringing what was missing. In the same way, he brings peace where there is conflict and unity where there is division. That is why people call him “the village helper guest.”

This saying teaches people to love helping others and to seek reconciliation, so that peace may live in their village and in their lives.

The message reflects the story found in the Book of Genesis 41:37–41 and 42:4, where Joseph was entrusted with leadership in Egypt because of his wisdom. Through his guidance, he preserved many lives during famine and later helped reconcile his family. Like the village helper guest, Joseph brought what was lacking namely: wisdom, provision, and reconciliation.

 

1476. UNG’WENE OKILAGA BUNASI.

Olihoyi munhu uyo wikalaga muchalo ja Gabale. Umunhu ng’wunuyo agageniha kubhutemi bhungi kunguno ohayaga gujugisha kubhutemi bhungi. Uweyi agabhawila abhanhu bhakwe aho okila bhutemi bhungi kunguno oli ajidebhile imbimbi ja bhutemi bhokwe. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagayomba giki, “ung’wene okilaga bunasi.”

Akahayile kenako kagalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo alina witegeleja bho gujidebha chiza imbimbi jakwe umukikalile kakwe. Umunhu ng’wunuyo, ojilanhanaga imbimbi jakwe inija bhiye bho guhoya chiza na bhiye bhenabho kunguno ya witegeleja bhokwe bhunubho, umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Uweyi agikalaga chiza na bhanhu bha muchalo jakwe jinijo kunguno ya witegeleja bhokwe bhunubho ubho gujidebha chiza imbimbi jakwe, umukikalile kakwe kenako.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agikolaga nuyo oliajidebhile chiza imbimbi jakwe mpaka ubhawila abhiye aho okila bhutemi bhungi umubhugeni bhokwe bhunubho, kunguno nuweyi alina witegeleja bho gujidebha chiza imbimbi jakwe mpaga ojilanhana chiza, umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagang’wilaga giki, “ung’wene okilaga bunasi.”

Akahayile kenako kalanga bhanhu higulya ya gubhiza na bhitegeleja bho gujibebha chiza isabho jabho nija bhichabho, kugiki bhadule gujilanhana chiza, umuwikaji bhobho bhunubho.

Ezekieli 12:3.

Mwanzo 47:21.

Luka 10:2.

 KISWAHILI: HUYO AMEVUKA UTAWALA.

Alikuwepo mtu aliyeishi kwenye kijiji cha Gabale. Mtu huyo, alisafiri kwenda nje ya utawala wake kwa sababu alitaka kwenda kusalimia huko. Yeye aliwataarifu watu wake alipovuka utawala wake huo na kuingia kwenye utawala ng’wingine kwa sababu alikuwa anaielewa vizuri mipaka yake. Ndiyo maana watu walimwambia kwamba, “huyo amevuka utawala.”

Msemo huo hulinganishwa kwa mtu yule ambaye ana umakini wa kuielewa vyema mipaka yake, katika maisha yake. Mtu huyo, huilinda vyema mikapa yake na ya wenzake kwa kuongea vyema nao kwa sababu ya umakini wake huo maishani mwake. Yeye huishi vizuri na watu wa kijiji chake hicho kwa sababu ya umakini wake huo wa kuielewa vyema mikapa yake, katika maisha yake hayo.

Mtu huyo, hufanana na yule aliyeielewa vyema mikapa yake mpaka akawataarifu wenzake alipoingia kwenye utawala mwingine katika safari yake hiyo, kwa sababu naye ana umakini wa kuielewa vyema mipaka yake na ya wenzake mpaka akailinda vizuri, maishani mwake. Ndiyo maana watu walimwambia kwamba, “huyo amevuka utawala.”

Msemo huo hufundisha watu juu ya kuwa na umakini wa kuzielewa vyema mali zao na wenzao, ili waweze kuzilinda vyema, maishani mwao.

Ezekieli 12:3.

Mwanzo 47:21.

Luka 10:2.

 

ENGLISH: HE HAS CROSSED THE RULE

There was a man who lived in the village of Gabale. One day, he traveled beyond his boundary because he wanted to go and greet people in another place. Since he clearly understood the limits of his own rule, he informed his people when he crossed into another rule. He respected the boundaries and did not enter secretly. Because of this, people said of him, “He has crossed the rule.”

This saying is compared to a person who carefully understands his own boundaries in life. Such a person protects his responsibilities and respects the boundaries of others. He speaks well with his colleagues and neighbors because he values peace and order. By recognizing limits and acting with care, he lives peacefully with the people of his village.

He is like the man who understood his boundaries so well that he informed others when he entered another rule during his journey. In the same way, a wise person protects both his own responsibilities and those of others. That is why people say of him, “He has crossed the rule.”

This saying teaches people to respect boundaries, whether they are possessions, responsibilities, or relationships, so that they may protect them well in their lives.

The teaching of respecting boundaries can also be seen in the Bible, such as in Book of Ezekiel 12:3, Book of Genesis 47:21, and Gospel of Luke 10:2, where responsibility, movement, and duty are shown within proper order and understanding.

 

 

1475. WELELA MBAZU GITI ILIMBA LILULI.

Olihoyi munhu uyo wigejaga mbazu jakwe umuchalo jilebhe. Imbazu jinijo jali ndododo noyi guti maluli ga gubhegeja mabhelele. Amaluli genayo gagasumagwa bho ngito kunguno ya gutulila jiliwa. Hunagwene umunhu ng’wunuyo, bhagang’wilaga abhanhu giki “welela mbazu giti ilimba liluli.”

Akahayile kenako kagalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo adagudililaga chiza umili gokwe umukikalile kakwe. Umunhu ng’wunuyo agagulekanijaga umili gokwe bho nduhu uguguchala ukubhugota ulu alisata, na nduhu gulya chiza uluotubhaga, kunguno ya guleka gugudilila chiza umili gokwe gunuyo umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Uweyi agakondaga noyi kunguno ya guleka gugudilila chiza umili gokwe gunuyo, umukikalile kakwe kenako.

Umunhu ung’wunuyo, agikolaga nuyo wigejaga mbazu guti liluli lya gusumila libhelele, kunguno nuweyi agagulekanijiga umili gokwe mpaga okonda umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagang’wilaga giki, “welela mbazu giti ilimba liluli.”

Akahayile kenako kalanga bhanhu higulya ya gubhiza na witegeleja bho guyidilila chiza imimili yabho bho gulya chiza na guyichala kubhugota ulu bhalisata, kugiki bhadule gwikala na bhuyeji umukaya jabho jinijo.

Mwanzo 14:3.

Zaburi 109:24.

Kumbukumbu la Torati 32:24.

KISWAHILI: MBAVU ZIMEELEA KAMA FITO ZA KIHENGE.

Alikuwepo mtu mbaye mbazu zake zilionekana wazi. Mbavu hizo zilikuwa ndogo ndogo kama fito za kutengenezea kihenge cha kuwekea chakula. Fito hiyo ni nyembamba sana. Ndiyo maana watu walimwambia mtu huyo kwamba, “mbavu zimeelea kama fito za kihenge.”

Msemo huo, hulinganishwa kwa mtu yule ambaye haujali mwili wake katika maisha yake. Mtu huyo, huutelekeza mwili wake kwa kutoenda kutibiwa anapoumwa, na kutokula vizuri anapoisikia njaa, kwa sababu ya kutokuujali mwili huo maishani mwake. Yeye hukonda sana kwa sababu ya kutokuujali vizuri mwili huo katika maisha yake hayo.

Mtu huyo, hufanana na yule ambaye mbavu zake zilionekana wazi, kwa sababu naye amekonda mpaka mbavu zinaonekana wazi, maishani mwake. Ndiyo maana watu humwambia kwamba, “mbavu zimeelea kama fito za kihenge.”

Msemo huo, hufundisha watu juu ya kuwa na umakini wa kuijali vizuri miili yao kwa kuipeleka kutibiwa hospitalini wanapoumwa, na kula vizuri wanapojisikia njaa, ili waweze kuishi kwa furaha, katika familia zao hizo.

Mwanzo 14:3.

Zaburi 109:24.

Kumbukumbu la Torati 32:24.

 

ENGLISH: THE RIBS ARE FLOATING LIKE THE STEEL OF A FOOD PLATE.

There was a man whose ribs were clearly visible because he was very thin. His ribs looked like the thin metal rods used to shape a food plate. They stood out sharply under his skin. Because of this, people said to him, “The ribs are floating like the steel of a food plate.”

This saying is compared to a person who does not take care of his body in his life. Such a person neglects himself. He does not go for treatment when he is sick, and he does not eat properly when he is hungry. Because of this neglect, he becomes very thin, and his ribs begin to show clearly.

That person is like the man whose ribs were visible. His body shows the results of his carelessness. Therefore, people say to him, “The ribs are floating like the steel of a food plate.”

This saying teaches an important lesson: a person must take good care of his body. When someone is sick, he should seek treatment. When he is hungry, he should eat properly. By caring for the body, a person can remain healthy and live happily with his family.

The teaching of this saying can be connected with verses such as Genesis 14:3, Psalm 109:24, and Deuteronomy 32:24, which remind people about physical weakness and the importance of well-being in life.

 

 

1474. BHESI BHI BHISOLO BHAGUSOLOJAGA HANDUGU.

Bhalihoyi bhanhu abho bhesaga isolo handugu umuchalo ja Sanjo. Abhanhu bhenabho bhasolojaga chiza ubhusolo umuwesi bhobho kunguno bhali bhamanile noyi ugusoloja. Abhoyi bhesaga chiza kunguno ya bhudebhi bhobho ubho gusoloja bhunubho. Hunagwene abhanhu bhayombaga giki, “bhesi bhi bhisolo bhagusolojaga handugu.”

Akahayile kenako kagalenganijiyagwa kubhanhu abho bhali na masala ga gujidebha chiza isabho jabho, umukikalile kabho. Abhanhu bhenabho bhajilanhanaga chiza isabho jabho bho gujisoloja mpaga ja tanhanila kunguno ya masala gabho genayo, umuwikaji bhobho bhunubho. Abhoyi bhagikalaga na sabho nyingi umukaya jabho kunguno ya masala gabho genayo, umukikalile kabho kenako.

Abhanhu bhenabho bhagikolaga nabho bhesaga iloso lyabho handugu bho gubhusoloja ubhusolo bhobho, kunguno nabhoyi bhajisolojaga isabho jabho mpaka bhajidebha chiza, umuwikaji bhobho bhunubho. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagabhawilaga giki, “bhesi bhi bhisolo bhagusolojaga handugu.”

Akahayile kenako kalanga bhanhu higulya ya gubhiza na masala ga gujidebha na kujilanhana chiza isabho jabho, kugiki jidule gubhambilija chiza, umukaya jabho jinijo.

Hesabu 1:2-3.

Kumbukumbu 4:27.

1Samweli 6:17.

2 Samweli 24:9.

KISWALI: WACHEJA BAO WANAHESABU UKUTANI.

Walikuwepo watu waliokuwa wakicheza bao ukutani kwenye kijiji cha Sanjo. Watu hao walikuwa wakihesabu vizuri mawe yao ya kuchezea kwa sababu walikuwa wanafahamu kuhebabu. Wao walicheza vizuri kwa sababu ya uelewa wao huo wa kuhesabu. Ndiyo maana watu waliwaambia kwamba, “wacheza bao wanahesabu ukutani.”

Msemo huo hulinganishwa kwa watu wenye akili za kuhesabu vizuri mali zao, katika maisha yao. Watu hao walizitunza vizuri mali zao kwa kuzihesabu mpaka wanazifahamu kwa sababu ya akili zao hizo, maishani mwao. Wao huzitunza vizuri mali za familia zao kwa sababu ya akili zao hizo, katika maisha yao.

Watu hao hufanana na wale wacheza bao waliokuwa wakisehabu mawe yao ukutani, kwa sababu nao wana akili za kuhesabu vizuri mali zao mpaka wanazifahamu, maishani mwao. Ndiyo maana watu huwaambia kwamba, “wacheza bao wanahesabu ukutani.”

Msemo huo, hufundisha watu juu ya kuwa na akili za kuzihesabu na kuzitunza vyema mali zao, ili ziweze kuwasaidia vizuri, katika familia zao hizo.

Hesabu 1:2-3.

Kumbukumbu 4:27.

1Samweli 6:17.

2 Samweli 24:9.

 

ENGLISH: SCOOP PLAYERS COUNT ON THE WALL

There were people in the village of Sanjo who played a traditional game called Scoop on the wall. As they played, they carefully counted their stones to make sure none were lost. Because they understood counting well, they played wisely and successfully. That is why people said, “Scoop players count on the wall.”

This saying compares those players to people who are wise in managing their wealth. Just as the players carefully counted their stones, wise people carefully count and manage their money and property. They understand what they have, protect it, and use it wisely for the benefit of their families.

Such people do not waste their resources. They plan, calculate, and manage their possessions carefully. Because of their intelligence and discipline, their families live securely and peacefully. Like the Scoop players counting their stones on the wall, they count their wealth carefully so that nothing is lost.

Therefore, this saying teaches us to be wise, organized, and responsible in managing our wealth. Careful counting and good management bring stability and blessing to the family.

This teaching is also reflected in the Bible, where counting and careful record-keeping were important:

In Book of Numbers 1:2–3, God commanded the Israelites to be counted.

In Book of Deuteronomy 4:27, the people were warned about being scattered and reduced in number.

In First Book of Samuel 6:17, specific offerings were counted and recorded.

In Second Book of Samuel 24:9, the number of fighting men was carefully counted.

All these examples show that counting and keeping record is a sign of responsibility and wisdom.

 

 

1473. OGAYIWA NG’HINGO GITI NG’ONGE JILIPUGANYA MU GITI.

Oliyoyi munhu uyo ulina nhingo nguhi. Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agakoyaga ugumila ing’honge kunguno ya bhuguhi bho ng’hingo yakwe yiniyo. Uweyi obhizaga guti inhonge ijo jibhisanyaga mugiti. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagang’wila giki, “ogayiwa ng’hingo giti ng’onge jilipuganya mu giti.”

Akahayile kenako kagalenganijiyagwa kubhanhu abho bhitola muludugu lobho, umukikalile kabho. Abhitoji bhenabho bhali bhadimanile chiza umuludugu lobho kunguno ya gugayiwa witegeleja bho gwita bhukengeji bho gwidebha chiza umubhudugu bhobho bhunubho, umuwikaji bhobho bhunubho. Abhoyi bhagadumaga uguilela chiza ikaya yabho kunguno ya gugayiwa witegeleja bhunubho ubho gwidebha chiza umubhudugu bhobho bhunubho, umukikalile kabho kenako.

Abhanhu bhenabho bhagikolaga ni ng’honge ijo jibhisanyaga mugiti, kunguno nabhoyi bhitola mubhudugu bhobho bho nduhu ugwidebha chiza, umuwikaji bhobho. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagabhawilaga giki, “ogayiwa ng’hingo giti ng’honge jilipuganya mugiti.”

Akahayile kenako kalanga bhitoji higulya ya gubhiza na witegeleja bho gwidebha chiza umubhudugu bhobho haho bhatali ugwitola, kugiki bhadule ugujilela chiza ikaya jabho jinijo, umuwikaji bhobho bhunubho.

1Wakorintho 8:38-39.

KISWAHILI: UMEKOSA SHINGO KAMA TONGE KUCHENGANA GIZANI.

Alikuwepo mtu aliyekuwa na shingo fupi. Mtu huyo, alipata shida ya kumeza tonge kwa sababu ya ufupi wa shingo yake. Yeye alifanana na tonge zilizopishana kwenye giza. Ndiyo maana watu walimwambia kwamba, “umekosa shingo kama tonge kuchengana gizani.”

Msemo huo, hulinganishwa kwa watu waliooana ndani ya undugu wao katika maisha yao. Wana ndoa hao, hawakuuelewana vizuri katika undugu wao kabla ya kuoana kwa sababu ya kukosa umakini wa kuuelewa vizuri undugu wao, maishani mwao. Wao hushindwa kuilea vyema familia yao, kwa sababu ya kukosa umakini huo wa kuuelewa vizuri undugu wao kabla ya kuoana, katika maisha yao.

Watu hao, hufanana na zile tonge zilizopishana gizani kwenye shingo fupi, kwa sababu nao wameoana ndani ya undugu wao bila ya kuelewana vizuri, maishani mwao. Ndiyo maana watu waliwaambia kwamba, “umekosa shingo kama tonge kuchengana gizani.”

Msemo huyo, hufundisha wana ndoa juu ya kuwa na umakini wa kuwawezesha kufanya utafiti wa kuwaolewa ndugu zao kabla ya kuoana, ili waweze kuzilea vyema familia zao, maishani mwao.

1Wakorintho 8:38-39.

 

ENGLISH: YOU HAVE A SHORT NECK LIKE PIECES OF STIF FOOD PASSING EACH OTHER IN THE DARK.

There was once a man who had a very short neck. Because of this, he struggled to swallow food easily. People described his condition in a figurative way, saying it was like “pieces of food passing each other in the dark.” From this image came the saying: “You have a short neck like pieces of stif food passing each other in the dark.”

This saying is compared to people who marry within their own close family without first taking time to understand one another well. Before marriage, they do not carefully examine their relationship, their differences, or their responsibilities. Because of this lack of understanding, they may later struggle to build and guide their family properly.

Just as food passing in a short neck faces difficulty, these couples face confusion and misunderstanding in their marriage. The “darkness” in the saying symbolizes a lack of knowledge, preparation, and wisdom before entering into marriage.

Therefore, this saying teaches that people should be careful and thoughtful before marriage. They should take time to understand one another deeply, seek guidance, and prepare themselves well so that they can raise their families in peace and unity throughout their lives.

The teaching also connects with the spirit of love and responsibility found in First Epistle to the Corinthians 8:38–39, which reminds believers about the importance of acting in love and wisdom in their relationships.

Hence, marriage requires understanding, preparation, and wisdom. Entering it without knowledge and careful thought can lead to unnecessary struggles.