Sukuma Sayings

1483. YENE NHINGO YA NG’WANAMANGASHA.

Imbuki ya kahayile kenako ilolile nimo go bhutoja na bhutolwa. Umunimo gunuyo ilihoyi nyama ya nhingo iyo igafumilaga kuntugo uyo gugasinzagwa kunguno ya gubhabhegeja likubhi abhanhu abho bhibhilingaga hoyi. Inyama yiniyo igikalaga ya ng’wa sengiye ontolwa nulu o ntoji. Hunagwene bhagayombaga giki, “yene nhingo ya ng’wanamangasha.”

Akahayile kenako kagalenganijiyagwa kubhanhu abho bhali na witegeleja bho gukikalana chiza akajile kabho akawiza umukikalile kabho. Abhanhu bhenabho bhagitaga bhukengeji bho gukadebha akajile akagubhambilija ugwikala na bhichabho chiza umukabhila yabho mpaka bhakapandika kunguno ya witegeleja bhobho bhunubho, umuwikaji bhobho. Abhoyi bhagikalaga na bhuyegi umuchalo jabho kunguno ya witegeleja bhobho bhunubho ubho gukikalana chiza akajile akawiza, umulikabhila lyabho linilo.

Abhanhu bhenabho bhagikolaga nabho bhang’winha nyama ya nhingo usengiye ontoji, nulu o ntolwa, kunguno nabhoyi bhagakikalanaga chiza akajile kagwikala na bhichabho chiza, umuwikaji bhobho bhunubho. Hunagwene abhanhu bhenabho bhagayombaga giki, “yene nhingo ya ng’wanamangasha.”

Akahayile kenako kalanga bhanhu higulya ya gubhiza na witegeleja bho gukikalana chiza akajile akawiza umukabhila jabho, kugiki bhadule gwikala na bhuyeji umuchalo jabho jinijo, umuwikaji bhobho bhunubho.

Wagalatia 5:16-18.

Yohana 8:51.

Yohana 14:23.

Yohana 15:10.

KISWAHILI: HIYO NI SHINGO YA NG’WANAMANGASHA.

Chanzo cha msemo huo huangalia kazi ya kumwolesha mtoto. Kazi hiyo hufanyika kwa yule anayeolesha kuchinja mfugo kwa sababu ya kuwapatia mboga wale waliokusanyika kwenye sherehe hiyo. Shingo ya mnyama huyo hutengwa kwa ajili ya shangaji wa muoaji au wa yule anayeolewa kwa lengo la kutunza desturi njema za kabila hilo. Ndiyo maana watu husema kwamba “hiyo ni shingo ya ng’wanamangasha.”

Msemo huo, hulinganishwa kwa watu wenye umakini wa kutunza tamaduni njema, katika maisha yao. Watu hao, hufanya utafiti wa kuzielewa tamaduni za kuwasaidia kuishi vizuri na wenzao mpaka wanazipata kwa sababu ya umakini wa o huo, maishani mwao. Wao huishi kwa furaha kwenye kijiji chao kwa sababu ya umakini wao huo wa kuziishi vizuri tamaduni njema za kabila lao, katika maisha yao.

Watu hao, hufanana na wale waliotunza tamaduni zao kwa kumpatia shangazi wa muoaji nyama ya shingo, kwa sababu nao huzitunza tamaduni za kuwawezesha kuishi vizuri na wenzao, maishani mwao. Ndiyo maana wao husema kwamba, “hiyo ni shingo ya ng’wanamangasha.”

Msemo huo, hufundisha watu juu ya kuwa na umakini wa kuzielewa na kuziishi tamaduni njema za makabila yao, ili waweze kutunza maadili mema ya kuziendeleza vizuri familia zao, maishani mwao.

Wagalatia 5:16-18.

Yohana 8:51.

Yohana 14:23.

Yohana 15:10.

 

THAT IS THE NECK OF THE NG’WANAMANGASHA

This saying comes from a traditional wedding custom. During a marriage ceremony, an animal is slaughtered to feed those gathered. Among the important parts of the animal, the neck is carefully set aside and given according to tribal tradition—often to a special relative such as the groom’s aunt. This act is not done by accident; it is done to preserve and honor the good customs of the community. Because of this careful observance, people say, “That is the neck of the ng’wanamangasha.”

The saying refers to people who are serious about preserving good traditions in their lives. Such people take time to understand the customs that build unity, respect, and harmony in their families and villages. They do not ignore their heritage. Instead, they carefully observe what is good and pass it on to the next generation. As a result, they live peacefully with others and strengthen their families through values that have stood the test of time.

However, for Christians, good tradition must agree with the will of God. The Word of God teaches believers to walk not according to the desires of the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

In Epistle to the Galatians 5:16 –18, believers are encouraged to be led by the Spirit so that they may avoid sinful desires. This reminds us that traditions must be examined carefully only those that align with God’s Spirit should be maintained.

In Gospel of John 8:51, Jesus teaches that whoever keeps His word will never see death. This shows that true life is found in obedience to Christ. Likewise, in John 14:23 and John 15:10, Jesus emphasizes that loving Him means keeping His commandments. Therefore, just as people carefully preserve the “neck” in traditional ceremonies, Christians must carefully preserve and obey the teachings of Christ.

Those who keep good traditions that agree with God’s Word are like those who faithfully set aside the neck meat according to custom. They value what is right, honorable, and life-giving. They understand that not every tradition is good, but the good ones those that promote respect, unity, and holiness should be protected.

This saying therefore teaches us to be careful in understanding and living out good traditions. Above all, it teaches us to preserve God’s commandments in our lives. By doing so, we maintain strong families, peaceful communities, and a faithful relationship with God.

 

1482. ISHIMAYENZE.

Olihoyi munhu uyo osimbaga ng’ana umuchalo ja Ziba. Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agasimba lichongo lishimu gete kunguno ya kuhaya kupandika sabho umumilimo yakwe yiniyo. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagalitana ilichongo linilo giki, “ishimayenze.”

Akahayile kenako kagalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo alina wiyumilija bho guchola sabho mpaka ojipandika, umukikalile kakwe kenako. Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agigulambija gutumama milimo midamu mpaga oyimala chiza kunguno ya wiyumiliza bhokwe bhunubho, umuwikaji bhokwe. Uweyi agapandika sabho ningi aha kaya yake yiniyo, kunguno ya wiyumilija bhokwe bhunubho ubho gutumama milimo midamu mpaka oyimala chiza, umukikalile kakwe kenako.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo agikolaga nu nsimbi o ng’ana uyo agiyumilija guchola mpaga usimba lichongo lishimu gete, kunguno nuweyi agiyumilijaga kuchola sabho bho gutumama milimo midamu mpaga ojipandika isabho jinijo, umuwikaji bhobho bhunubho. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagang’witana giki, “ishimayenze.”

Akahayile kenako kalanga bhanhu higulya ya gubhiza na wiyumilija bho gutumama milimo yabho mpaga bhayimala chiza, kugiki bhadule kupandika sabho ja gubhambilija ugujibheja chiza ikaya jabho jinijo, umwikaji bhobho bhunubho.

Mathayo 7:13.

Ayubu 28:1.

Luka 13:22-24.

Mithali 1:12.

Ufunuo 9:1.

2Petro 2:4.

KISWAHILI: SHIMO REFU.

Alikuwepo mtu aliyekuwa akichimba madini katika kijiji cha Ziba. Mtu huyo alichimba shimo refu sana kwa sababu ya kutaka kupata mali hizo katika kazi yake hiyo. Ndiyo maana watu waliliita shimo hilo jila la “shimo refu.”

Msemo huo, hulinganishwa kwa mtu yule ambaye anauvumilivu wa kupafuta mali mpaka anazipata, katika maisha yake. Mtu huyo, hujibidisha kufanya kazi ngumu mpaka anazimaliza vizuri kwa sababu ya uvumilivu wake huo maishani mwake. Yeye hupata mali nyingi katika familia yake hiyo, kwa sababu ya uvumilifu wake huo wa kufanya kazi ngumu mpaka anazimaliza vizuri, katika maisha yake hayo.

Mtu huyo, hufunana na yule mchimbaji wa madini aliyevumilia kutafuta mpaka akachimba shimo refu, kwa sababu naye huvumilia kutafuta mali kwa kufanya kazi ngumu mpaka anazipata mali hizo, maishani mwake. Ndiyo maana watu humuita jila la “shimo refu.”

Msemo huo, hufundisha watu juu ya kuwa na uvumilifu wa kutafuta mali kwa kujibidisha kufanya kazi vizuri ili waweze kupata mali za kuwasaidia katika kuziendeleza vizuri familia zao, maishani mwao.

Mathayo 7:13.

Ayubu 28:1.

Luka 13:22-24.

Mithali 1:12.

Ufunuo 9:1.

2Petro 2:4.

 

ENGLISH: DEEP HOLE.

There was a man who mined in the village of Ziba. He dug a very deep hole because he wanted to find wealth through his work. Because of his determination and endurance, people called it the “deep hole.”

This saying is compared to a person who has patience in searching for wealth in life. Such a person works hard and does not give up easily. He continues striving until he completes his work well. Because of his patience and perseverance, he earns enough to support and develop his family.

That person is like a miner who keeps digging deeper until he finds something valuable. In the same way, he keeps working diligently until he achieves success. For this reason, people call him the “deep hole.”

This saying teaches that patience, perseverance, and hard work are necessary to gain lasting success. Just as a miner must dig deep to find treasure, a person must work steadily and faithfully to build a strong and prosperous family.

Gospel of Matthew 7:13. Encourages choosing the narrow path, which requires effort and perseverance.

Book of Job 28:1. Describes how people search deep in the earth for precious treasures.

Gospel of Luke 13:22–24. Teaches striving earnestly to enter through the narrow door.

Book of saying 1:12.  Mentions the grave and going down alive into the pit.

Book of Revelation 9:1. Speaks of the bottomless pit being opened.

Second Epistle of Peter 2:4. Refers to being cast into chains of darkness.

Together, this saying and these scriptures remind us that meaningful achievement requires depth, effort, and endurance in life.

 

 

 

 

1481. LING’HANGI.

Aho kale olihoyi munhu uyo wibhakilaga ulu obhona ginhu jilebhe umulugendo lokwe. Lushigu lumo, umunhu ng’wunuyo, agabhona majigila wibhakia mpaka wandya gupela kunguno ya bhobha bhokwe bhunubho umuwikaji bhokwe. Hunagwene agalitana ilibala linilo giki, “ling’hangi.”

Ahakayile kenako kagalenganijiyagwa kuli nzunya uyo alinabhobha bho gulogwa umukikalile kakwe. Unzunya ng’wunuyo, agajaga gujusalila ukunhu uja kubhafumu gujulagulwa ulu osataga kunguno ya bhobha bhokwe bhunubho ubho gwiganika giki, aguloggawa umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Uweyi agidumana na bhanhu bha ha kaya yakwe kunguno ya gujulembagulwa na bhafumu giki bhaganogoga abhiye bhenabho, umukikalile kakwe kenako.

Unzunya ng’wunuyo, agikolaga nu munhu uyo agibhakila oho obhana majigila mpaka wandya kupela, umugendo lokwe, kunguno nuweyi alinabhobha bho gulogwa umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Hunagwene agabhitanaga abhiye giki “ling’hangi.”

Akahayile kenako kalanga bhanhu higulya ya gubhiza na guzunya gutale go gubhambilija gulekana na bhobha bho gulogwa, kugiki bhadule gwikala bho witogwi na bhichabho umukaya jabho jinijo, umuwikaji bhobho bhunubho.

Yohana 1:5.

Yohana 8:12.

Mathayo 5:14.

Yohana 3:21.

1Wathesalonike 5:5.

Waebrania 6:4.

Waefeso 5:9.

KISWAHILI: TISHIO.

Hapo zamani alikwepo mtu aliyeshituka akiona kitu fulani katika safari yake. Siku moja, mtu huyo, aliona makaburi akashituka mpaka akaanza kukimbia kwa sababu ya uoga wake huo maishani mwake. Ndiyo maana aliita sehemu hiyo jila la “tishio.”

Msemo huo, hulinganishwa kwa mkristo mwenye uoga wa kulogwa katika maisha yake. Mkristo huyo, huenda kusali kanisani na kwenda kupiga ramli akiugua kwa sababu ya imani yake hiyo ya kufikiri kwamba wenzake wanamloga, maishani mwake. Yeye hukosana na watu walioko kwenye familia yake hiyo, kwa sababu ya kuwafikiria wenzake hao kwamba wanamuloga, katika maisha yake hayo.

Mkristo huyo hufanana na mtu yule aliyeogapa makaburi mpaka akakimbia alipoyaona, kwa sababu naye huogopa kulogwa mpaka anawatuhumu uchawi wenzake, maishani mwake. Ndiyo maana huwaita wenzake hayo jila la “tishio.”

Msemo huo hufundisha wakristo juu ya kuwa na imani thabiti kwa Mungu ya kuwasaidia kuachana na imani potovu za kuamini kulogwa, ili waweze kuishi kwa upendo na wenzao katika familia zao hizo, maishani mwao.

Yohana 1:5.

Yohana 8:12.

Mathayo 5:14.

Yohana 3:21.

1Wathesalonike 5:5.

Waebrania 6:4.

Waefeso 5:9.

 

ENGLISH: THREAT

Once upon a time, there was a man who became very frightened during his journey. One day, he saw a cemetery and was so afraid that he began to run away because of the fear in his heart. Because of this, he called that place a place of “threat.”

This saying is compared to a Christian who is afraid of being bewitched in his life. Such a Christian may pray in church but also go to fortune-tellers. He lives in fear, believing that his friends are bewitching him. Because of this belief, he quarrels with his family and accuses others without reason.

That Christian is like the man who ran away from the cemetery. Just as the man was afraid of graves, the Christian is afraid of witchcraft. His fear controls him and causes him to suspect and blame others. In this way, fear becomes his place of “threat.”

This saying teaches Christians to have strong faith in God enough to abandon false beliefs in witchcraft. True faith drives away fear and helps believers live in love, peace, and unity with their families.

The Bible reminds us about living in the light of God:

Gospel of John 1:5

Gospel of John 8:12

Gospel of Matthew 5:14

Gospel of John 3:21

First Epistle to the Thessalonians 5:5

Epistle to the Hebrews 6:4

Epistle to the Ephesians 5:9

These scriptures encourage believers to walk in the light, not in fear.

 

 

1480. ALICHENE.

Bhalihoyi bhanhu bhabhili abho bhahoyaga chiza. Abhanhu bhenabho bhilomelaga mihaya ya nhana kunguno bhahayaga gujibheja chiza ikaya jabho. Abhoyi bhali na bhutogwa bhutale ukubhanhu bhabho ni kaya jabho umuwikaji bhobho bhunubho. Hunagwene bhagayombaga mihayo ya nhana bhizunilija giki, “alichelene.”

Akahayile kenako kagalenganijiyagwa kubhanhu abho bhali bhatungilija umukikalile kabho. Abhanhu bhenabho bhagabhalangaga abhanhu bhabho bho gubhawila mihayo ya nhana iyagubhambilija ugwikala chiza na bhichabho, kunguno ya bhutungilija bhobho bhunubho umuwikaji bhobho bhunubho. Abhoyi bhagikalaga na bhuyegi bhutale umukaya jabho jinijo kunguno ya bhutungilija bhobho ubho gubhalela chiza abhanhu bhabho bhenabho umukikalile kabho kenako.

Abhanhu bhenabho, bhagikolaga nabho bhajibhejaga chiza ikaya jabho bho guyomba bhunhana, kunguno nabhoyi bhagajilelaga ikaya jabho bho guyomba mihayo ya nhana mpaga bhayikala na bhuyeji umukaya jabho jinijo, umuwikaji bhobho. Hunagwene bhagiwilaga mihayo ya nhana bho guyomba giki, “alichene.”

Akahayile kenako kalanga bhanhu higulya ya gubhiza na bhutungilija bho gujilela chiza ikaya jabho, kugiki bhadule gwikala na bhuyeji umukaya jabho jinijo, umuwikaji bhobho bhunubho.

Mithali 8:7.

Mithali 12:19.

Zakaria 8:16.

Yohana 8:7, 32.

KISWAHILI: KWELI/HAKIKA.

Walikuwepo watu wawili waliokuwa wakiongea vizuri. Watu hao waliongea maneno ya ukweli kwa sababu walitaka kuziendeleza vizuri familia zao hizo. Wao walikuwa na upendo mkubwa kwenye familia zao, maishani mwao. Ndiyo maana walipoongea ukweli huo walikubaliana kwa kusema kwamba, “kweli/hakika.”

Msemo huo hulinganishwa kwa watu wale ambao wana uaminifu katika maisha yao. Watu hao huwalea watu wao kwa kuwafundisha watu wao kusema ukweli unaowasaidia kuishi vizuri na wenzao, kwa sababu ya uaminifu wao huo maishani mwao. Wao huishi kwa furaha kubwa katika familia zao kwa sababu ya uaminifu wao huo wa kuwalea vizuri watu wao, katika maisha yao.

Watu hao, hufanana na wale waliozilea familia zao kwa kuzifundisha ukweli, kwa sababu nao pia huzilea familia zao kwa kuongea maneno ya kweli mpaka wakayishi kwa furaha katika familia zao, maishani mwao. Ndiyo maana wao huelezana maneno ya kweli kwa kusema, “kweli/hakika.”

Msemo huo, hufundisha watu juu ya kuwa na uaminifu wa kuzilea familia zao katika maadili mema, ili waweze kuishi kwa furaha katika familia zao hizo, maishani mwao.

Mithali 8:7.

Mithali 12:19.

Zakaria 8:16.

Yohana 8:7, 32.

 

ENGLISH: TRUTH, TRUTH

There were two people who spoke wisely and truthfully. They spoke words of truth because they wanted to build and strengthen their families. They loved their families deeply and desired peace and unity in their homes. Whenever they agreed with each other in honesty, they would confirm it by saying, “Truth, truth.”

This saying is compared to people who live honest lives. Such people teach their families to speak the truth and act with integrity. Because of their honesty, they help their families live peacefully with others. Their homes are filled with happiness because they are founded on truth.

These people are like parents who raise their children by teaching them to value truth in every situation. By consistently speaking and practicing the truth, they create strong and joyful families. That is why they affirm one another by saying, “Truth, truth.”

This saying teaches us to be faithful and honest in raising our families with good morals. When truth guides a home, peace and happiness follow.

Book of Proverbs 8:7 “For my mouth will speak truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips.”

Book of Proverbs 12:19 “Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.”

Book of Zechariah 8:16 “Speak the truth to one another; render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace.”

Gospel of John 8:7, 32  “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone… And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.”

 

 

1479. MHELA YA DALALI.

Olihoyi munhu uyo ali mpeji noyi umuchalo ja ng’wa maswele. Umunhu ng’wunuyo, obhashigaga pye abhiye kunguno ya nguzu yakwe jinijo umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho.

Aliyo, kihamo nubhupeji bhokwe bhunubho, uweyi adapandikile solobho yoseyose kunguno ya gugayiwa witegeja umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagang’witana giki, “mhela ya dalili.”

Akahayile kenako kagalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo agajitumamilaga sagala isabho ijo agajipandikaga umubhutumami bhokwe, umukikalile kakwe. Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agigulambija guchola sabho mpaga ojipandika chiza na oduma ugujilanhana chiza, kunguno ya kujitumamila sagala umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Uweyi agikalaga ukoya na nzala aha kaya yakwe kunguno ya kujikenagula sagala isabho ijo agajipandikaga umutumami bhokwe bhunubho, umukikalile kakwe kenako.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo agikolaga nuyo opelaga noyi bho nduhu gupandika solobho yoseyose kunguno nuweyi agajitumamilaga sagala isabho ijo agajipandikaga umubhutumami bhokwe mpaga oyukoya na nzala, aha kahaya yakwe yiniyo, umuwikaji bhokwe. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagang’witanaga giki, “mhela ya dalali.”

Akahayile kenako kalanga bhanhu higulya ya gubhiza na witegeleja bho gujilanhana chiza isabho ijo bhagajipandikaga umubhutumami bhobho, kugiki jidule gubhambilija ugujibheja chiza ikaya jabho jinijo, umuwikaji bhobho.

Mhubiri 5:10.

Luka 15:11-13.

KISWAHILI: MKIMBIAJI WA BURE.

Alikuwepo mtu aliyekuwa mkimbiaji sana katika kijiji cha mwa mashele. Mtu huyo, alikimbia mpaka akawaacha wenzake wote kwa sababu ya kuwa na nguvu nyingi, maishani mwake.

Lakini, pamoja na ukimbiaji wake huyo, yeye hakupata faida yoyote kwa sababu ya kukosa umakini katika maisha yake hayo. Ndiyo maana watu walimuita jina la “mkimbiaji wa bure.”

Msemo huo, hulinganishwa kwa mtu yule ambaye huzitumia hovyo mali anazozipata matika kazi zake. Mtu huyo, hujibidisha kutafuta mali mpaka anazipata ambazo hushindwa kuzitunza vizuri, kwa sababu ya kuzitumia hovyo, maishani mwake. Yeye husumbuliwa na tatizo la kukosa chakula katika familia yake hiyo, kwa sababu ya kukosa umakini wa kuzitunza vizuri mali anazozipata, katika maisha yake hayo.

Mtu huyo, hufanana na yule aliyekimbia sana bila ya kupata faida yoyote, kwa sababu naye huzitumia hovyo mali anazozipata mpaka anafikia hatua ya kukosa chakula katika familia yake hiyo, maishani mwake. Ndiyo maana watu humuita jina la “mkimbiaji wa bure.”

Msemo huo, hufundisha watu juu ya kuwa na umakini wa kuzitunza vizuri, mali wanazozipata katika kazi zao, ili ziweze kuwasaidia katika kuzijenga vizuri familia zao hizo, maishani mwao.

Mhubiri 5:10.

Luka 15:11-13.

 

ENGLISH: FREE RUNNER

There was once a man in the village of Mwamashele who was known as a very fast runner. He would run with great strength and leave all his companions far behind. No one could match his speed.

However, despite all his running, he gained no benefit. He ran without direction and without purpose. In the end, his effort brought him nothing because he lacked attention and wisdom in how he used his strength. For this reason, people called him the “free runner.”

This saying compares such a runner to a person who works hard to earn money but spends it carelessly. That person struggles and labors until he earns income, yet he wastes it without planning or saving. Because of his lack of attention, he later suffers from shortage, even lacking enough food for his family.

Just like the runner who used his energy without gaining anything, the wasteful person uses his earnings without benefit. His hard work produces no lasting results. That is why people call him the “free runner.”

This saying teaches an important lesson: it is not enough to work hard; one must also use what he earns wisely. Careful management of wealth helps build and support a family well.

As it is written in Ecclesiastes 5:10, loving money without wisdom never brings satisfaction. Likewise, in Gospel of Luke 15:11–13, the parable of the prodigal son shows how wasteful living leads to suffering.

Therefore, people should not only run fast in life, but also run with purpose and wisdom.