Folklore

1528. SUKUMA: NZILAMAKA IGANJIMIJAGA UNSIMINZI.

Ulusumo lunulo lufumilile kulikujo lya kale ilya Africa. Ikale abhasiminzi wasiminzaga bho magulu bhalibhitila mumapolu, mabhonde na mumachalo bho mduhu ramani. Abhanhu bhenabho bhashikaga aha nzilamaka bhajimija ijilunga. Hunagwene bhagayomba giki, “njilamaka iganjimijaga unsiminzi.”

Ulusumo lunulo lugalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo agabhonaga wiza wingi oduma uguchagula nulu jimo umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agadumaga uguchagula josejose ulu ubhonaga majikolo mingi agawiza kunguno ya gugawila bhumani wikujo lya kikalile kiza umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Uweyi agajimijaga ijilunga ja guitongela chiza ikaya yakwe kunguno ya gugaiwa bhulangwa bho guchagula chiza, umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agikolaga nabhasiminzi bha mumapoli abho bhagajimija ijilunga, kunguno nuweyi agajimijaga amasala ga guchagula chiza mpaga oduma uguitongela chiza ikaya yakwe ulu obhonaga majikolo mingi agawiza, umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagang’wilaga giki “njizamaka iganjimijaga unsiminzi.”

Ulusumo lunulo lolanga bhanhu higulya ya gubhiza na witegeleja bho guchagula gwikala chiza ulubhabhonaga majikolo mingi agawiza, kugiki bhadule kupandika matwajo mingi umukaya yabho jinijo, umuwikaji bhobho bhunubho.

Mithali 3:5–6.

Mathayo 7:13–14.

Yakobo 1:5.

1Wakorintho 14:33.

SWAHILI: NJIA PANDA HUMCHANGANYA MSAFIRI.

Methali hii inatokana na hekima ya jadi ya Kiafrika na pia inaakisiwa katika tamaduni nyingi kote ulimwenguni. Zamani, wasafiri walisafiri kwa miguu kupitia misitu, mabonde, na vijiji bila ramani. Walipofika kwenye barabara nyingi zinazovuka yaani njia panda, waliweza kuchanganyikiwa kwa urahisi na kupoteza mwelekeo. Kwa hivyo methali hiyo iliundwa ili kuwafundisha watu umuhimu wa hekima, mwongozo, na kufanya maamuzi yaliyo wazi maishani mwao. Ndiyo maana walisema kwamba, “njia panda humchanganya msafiri.”

Methali hii hulinganishwa kwa mtu yule hukabiliwa na chaguzi nyingi maishani na hajui ni njia gani ya kufuata maishani mwake. Mtu kama huyo huweza kuchanganyikiwa kwa sababu ya maoni mengi, vishawishi, au fursa nyingi maishani. Yeye hupoteza mwelekeo wa kuongoza familia yake vizuri kwa sababu ya kukosa hekima, mwongozo, na uwezo wa kufanya maamuzi mazuri maishani mwake.

Mtu huyu hufanana na wale watu waliokosa mwongozo na hekima sahihi hadi kufikia hatua ya kupoteza mwelekeo wao kwa sababu naye pia hufuata maelekezo mengi kwa wakati mmoja na hatimaye hupoteza umakini katika kuongoza familia yake hiyo maishani mwake. Kama vile msafiri anavyoweza kupotea kwenye njia panda, mtu asiye na kusudi wazi anaweza kupotea kiroho, kimaadili, au kijamii maishani mwake. Ndiyo maana watu humwambia kwamba, “njia panda humchanganya msafiri.”

Methali hii huwafundisha watu kuhusu: umuhimu wa hekima katika kufanya maamuzi, kutafuta mwongozo kabla ya kuchagua njia, kubaki makini maishani, kuepuka mkanganyiko unaosababishwa na mawazo mengi yanayokinzana, na kuamini uongozi na mwelekeo mzuri. Inawakumbusha watu kwamba maisha yana njia nyingi, na chaguo baya zaweza kusababisha matatizo huku chaguo za busara zikiongoza kwenye mafanikio na amani maishani mwao.

Mithali 3:5–6. “Mtumaini Bwana kwa moyo wako wote, wala usizitegemee akili zako mwenyewe; katika njia zako zote mtii, naye atanyosha mapito yako.” Mstari huu unafundisha kwamba Mungu hutoa mwongozo wakati barabara za maisha zinaonekana kuchanganyikiwa.

Mathayo 7:13–14. “Ingieni kwa kupitia mlango mwembamba… mlango ni mdogo, na njia nyembamba iendayo uzimani.” Yesu anafundisha kwamba kuna njia nyingi maishani, lakini njia sahihi tu ndiyo inayoongoza kwenye uzima wa milele.

Yakobo 1:5. “Lakini mtu yeyote kati yenu akipungukiwa na hekima, na amwombe Mungu, awapaye wote kwa ukarimu.” Watu wanapokabiliwa na maamuzi yanayochanganya, wanapaswa kutafuta hekima kutoka kwa Mungu.

1Wakorintho 14:33. “Maana Mungu si Mungu wa machafuko, bali wa amani.” Mungu anatamani watu wake watembee katika uwazi, amani, na mwelekeo sahihi badala ya mkanganyiko.

Methali “njia panda humchanganya msafiri” hufundisha kwamba maisha yamejaa chaguzi na njia panda. Bila hekima, mwongozo, na imani katika Mungu, mtu anaweza kupoteza mwelekeo kwa urahisi. Watu wenye busara hutafuta ushauri, huomba uelewa, na kwa uangalifu.

ENGLISH: “INTERSECTION OF ROADS CONFUSES THE TRAVELER.”

This proverb comes from traditional African wisdom and is also reflected in many cultures around the world. In ancient times, travelers journeyed on foot through forests, valleys, and villages without maps. When they reached many crossing roads, they could easily become confused and lose direction. The proverb was therefore created to teach people the importance of wisdom, guidance, and clear decision-making in life. That is why they said, “Intersection of roads confuses the traveler.”

This proverb is compared to a person who faces many choices in life and does not know which path to follow in life. Such a person may become confused because of too many opinions, temptations, or opportunities. He loses direction of leading well his family because of lacking wisdom, guidance, and clear decision-making in life.

This person resembles those people who lacked proper guidance and wisdom to the point of losing their directions because he also follows many directions at the same time and finally loses focus in leading his family in life.

Just as a traveler can become lost at roads intersection, a person without clear purpose can become lost spiritually, morally, or socially. That is why people tell him that, “Intersection of roads confuses the traveler.”

This proverb teaches people about: the importance of wisdom in making decisions, seeking guidance before choosing a path, remaining focused in life, avoiding confusion caused by many conflicting ideas, and trusting good leadership and direction. It reminds people that life has many crossroads, and wrong choices can lead to trouble while wise choices lead to success and peace.

Proverbs 3:5–6. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” This verse teaches that God gives direction when life’s roads seem confusing.

Matthew 7:13–14. “Enter through the narrow gate… small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life.” Jesus teaches that there are many paths in life, but only the right path leads to eternal life.

James 1:5. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all.” When people face confusing decisions, they should seek wisdom from God.

1Corinthians 14:33.“For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.” God desires His people to walk in clarity, peace, and right direction rather than confusion.

The proverb “intersections of roads confuse the traveler” teaches that life is full of choices and crossroads. Without wisdom, guidance, and faith in God, a person can easily lose direction. Wise people seek counsel, pray for understanding, and carefully.

1527. SUKUMA: UBHULONGO BHULI MAGULU MAGUHI.

Ulusumo lunulo lwingile kuli mpeji o magulu maguhi uyo agagema gutoroka wangu uduma. Umunhu ng’wunuyo agandya gupela wangu, aliyo adasegendelile upandikwa. Hukwene huguhaya giki, ubhulongo bhudikalaga makanza malihu kunguno ubhunhana bhugabhupandikaga wangu. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagang’wila giki, “ubhulongo bhuli na magulu maguhi.”

Ulusumo lunulo lugalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo agabhalembaga abhangi kusolobho yakwe na nhinda jakwe, umukikalile kakwe. Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agiganikaga giki ubhulongo bhunubho bhugumshisha kule aliyo lulu ubhunhana bhugang’olesha hape wangu, umuwikaji bhokwe. Uweyi agabhonaga soni ningi mpaga oduma uguilela ikaya yakwe yiniyo ulu bhobadijiwa ubhulongo bhokwe bhunubho, umukikalile kakwe kenako.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo agikolaga nu mpeji uo magulu maguhi uyo agagema gutoroka uduma, kunguno nuweyi agabhalembaga abhiye mpaga oduma uguyilema ikaya yakwe ulu bhobadijiwa ubhulongo bhokwe bhunubho, umuwikaji bhokwe. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagang’wilaga giki, “ubhulongo bhuli na magulu maguhi.”

Ulusumo lunulo lolanga abhanhu higulya ya guleka bhulongo bho guwikalana chiza ubhunhna, kugiki bhadule gujilela chiza ikaya jabho, umuwikaji bhobho bhunubho.

Luka 8:17.

Mithali 12:19.

Wakolosai 3:9.

Yohana 8:32.

Mithali 19:9.

SWAHILI: UONGO UNA MIGUU MIFUPI.

Methali hii inaweza kufuatiliwa hadi kwa mkimbiaji mwenye miguu mifupi ambaye alijaribu kumtoroka mtu haraka. Alianza mbio haraka, lakini hakuweza kwenda mbali kabla ya kukamatwa, akashindwa. Inamaanisha kwamba uongo haudumu kwa muda mrefu kwa sababu ukweli hatimaye humpata. Ndiyo maana watu humwambia kwamba “uongo una miguu mifupi.”

Methali hii hulinganishwa kwa mtu anayesema uongo ili kuwadanganya wengine kwa faida yake binafsi, ulinzi, au kiburi katika maisha yake. Mtu kama huyo hudhani uongo huo utampeleka mbali, lakini hivi karibuni ukweli humfichua. Yeye huona aibu hadi kufikia hatua ya kushindwa kuiongoza familia yake, pale uongo wake unapogunduliwa, katika maisha yake.

Mtu huyu hufanana na yule mkimbiaji mwenye miguu mifupi aliyejaribu kumtoroka mtu haraka akashindwa, kwa sababu naye pia huwadanganya wengine hadi kufikia hatua ya kuona aibu wakati wengine wanapoujua ukweli, katika maisha yake. Ndiyo maana watu humwambia kwamba “uongo una miguu mifupi.”

Methali hii huwafundisha watu kuhusu: ukweli, hatari ya udanganyifu, uaminifu katika jamii, umuhimu wa kusema ukweli kila wakati na uhakika kwamba uwongo uliofichwa hatimaye utafichuliwa.

Luka 8:17 “Kwa maana hakuna kitu kilichofichwa ambacho hakitafichuliwa, wala hakuna kitu kilichofichwa ambacho hakitajulikana au kuwekwa wazi.”

Mithali 12:19 “Midomo ya kweli hudumu milele, lakini ulimi wa uongo hudumu kwa muda mfupi tu.”

Wakolosai 3:9 “Msiambiane uongo, kwa kuwa mmevua utu wenu wa zamani pamoja na matendo yake.”

Yohana 8:32 “Ndipo mtakapojua ukweli, nao ukweli utawaweka huru.”

Mithali 19:9 “Shahidi wa uongo hatakosa kuadhibiwa, na yeyote asemaye uongo ataangamia.”

ENGLISH PROVERB: A LIE HAS SHORT LEGS.

This proverb can be traced back to a runner with short legs who tried to escape from someone faster. He began the race quickly, but could not go far before being caught. It means that lies do not last long because the truth eventually catches up with them. That is why people say “a lie has short legs.”

This proverb is compared to a person who speaks falsehood to deceive others for personal gain, protection, or pride in his life. Such a person may think the lie will carry him far, but soon the truth exposes him. He is ashamed when his lie is discovered to the point of failing to lead his family, in his life.

This person resembles that runner with short legs who tried to escape from someone faster because he also lies others to the point of being ashamed when others know the truth, in his life. That is why people tell him “a lie has short legs.”

This proverb teaches people about: Honesty and truthfulness, the danger of deception, trustworthiness in society, the importance of speaking the truth always and the certainty that hidden lies will eventually be revealed

Luke 8:17 “For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.”

Proverbs 12:19 “Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.”

Colossians 3:9 “Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off your old self with its practices.”

John 8:32 “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Proverbs 19:9 “A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will perish.”

1526. SUKUMA: UNTI UYO GUDINA MIZWI GUGUMAGA.

Ulusumo lunulo lyingilile kubhukengeji bho ginhu umo jasumbilwa. Unti gugikalaga gupanga kunguno ya mizwi yago. Imizwi yiniyo igagwinhaga unti gunuyo minze, jiliwa, na bhudamu. Unti ulugujimija imizwi yago, gugumaga na gucha. Imizwi yiniyo igolechaga likujo lilange lya gwikala chiza na bhanhu. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagayombaga giki, “unti uyo gudina mizwi gugumaga.”

Ulusumo lunulo lugalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo agawibhaga ubhulangwa bho nhungwa ja gwikala chiza nu Mulungu umukikalile kakwe. Umunhu ng’wunuyo agatumamaga imilimo yakwe bho gwisendamila weyi ng’winikili duhu kunguno ya gugibha amalagiko ga ng’wa Mulungu, umuwikaji bhokwe. Uweyi adadumaga uguimala chiza imilimo yakwe kunguno ya gulyibha ililange ilo ligabhejaga nhungwa ja wiza, umukikalile kakwe.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo agikolaga nu nti uyo gudina mizwi kunguno nuweyi agaligumanija ilikujo lya bhulangwa bho gwikala chiza mpaga oduma uguimala chiza imilimo yakwe, umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagang’wilaga giki, “unti uyo gudina mizwi gugumaga.”

Ulusumo lunulo lolanga bhanhu higulya ya solobho ya guwikalana chiza ubhulangwa bho gwikala chiza ni kaya jabho, kugiki bhadule kujilela chiza ikaya jabho jinijo, umuwikaji bhobho bhunubho.

Yeremia 17:7–8.

Zaburi 1:3.

Wakolosai 2:7.

Mathayo 7:24–27.

SWAHILI: MTI USIO NA MIZIZI HUKAUKA.

Methali hii inatokana na uchunguzi wa maumbile. Mti huishi kwa sababu ya mizizi yake. Mizizi huupa mti maji, nguvu, lishe, na uthabiti. Mti unapopoteza mizizi yake, hukauka na hatimaye hufa. Katika hekima ya kitamaduni ya Kiafrika, mizizi huashiria asili, utamaduni, familia, imani, na msingi wa maadili. Ndiyo maana watu husema kwamba “mti usio na mizizi hukauka.”

Methali hii hulinganishwa kwa mtu yule ambaye husahau historia yake, hupuuza mafundisho mazuri, huacha nidhamu, au hujitenga na Mungu na maadili ya familia. Mtu huyu hufanya mambo ikiwa ni pamoja na kazi zake kwa kujitegemea mwenyewe tu badala ya kutegemea nguvu za Mungu kwa sababu ya kupuuza mafundisho mazuri yakiwemo yale ya amri za Mungu maishani mwake. Yeye hushindwa kufikia malengo yake kwa sababu ya kupuuza mafundisho mazuri ambayo yaweza kumsaidia maishani. Mtu kama huyo huanguka kwa urahisi katika mkanganyiko, majaribu, na hushindwa kwa sababu hana msingi imara.

Mtu huyo hufanana na ule mti ambao hauna mizizi kwa sababu naye pia hupuuza hekima itakayo kwenye mafundisho mazuri ikiwa ni pamoja na yale ya Mungu hadi kufikia hatua ya kushindwa kufikia malengo yake maishani mwake. Ndiyo maana watu humwambia kwamba, “mti usio na mizizi hukauka.”

Methali hiyo huwafundisha watu Kuhusu: umuhimu wa kuwa na misingi imara katika maisha, kuheshimu utamaduni, familia, na maadili mema, na kushikamana na Mungu na maadili ya kiroho.

Mtu asiye na kanuni ni kama mti usio na mizizi, hawezi kusimama imara wakati wa dhoruba.

Yeremia 17:7–8 “Lakini heri amwaminiye Bwana… Watakuwa kama mti uliopandwa kando ya maji.”

Zaburi 1:3 “Mtu huyo ni kama mti uliopandwa kando ya vijito vya maji, ambao huzaa matunda yake kwa wakati wake.”

Wakolosai 2:7 “Mmetiwa mizizi na kujengwa ndani yake, mmeimarishwa katika imani.”

Mathayo 7:24–27 Yesu anafundisha kwamba mtu anayejenga juu ya msingi imara atasimama imara dhoruba zinapokuja.

ENGLISH: A TREE WITHOUT ROOTS WITHERS

This proverb originates from the observation of nature. A tree survives because of its roots. The roots give the tree water, strength, nourishment, and stability. When a tree loses its roots, it dries up and eventually dies. In African traditional wisdom, roots symbolize origin, culture, family, faith, and moral foundation.That is why people say “a tree without roots withers.”

This proverb is compared to a person who forgets his background, ignores good teachings, abandons discipline, or separates himself from God and family values. This person does things including his works by depending on himself instead of on relying on God’s power because of ignoring good teaching including God’s commandments in his life. He fails to actualize his goals because of ignoring good teachings which can assist him in life. Such a person easily falls into confusion, temptation, and failure because he has no strong foundation.

This person resembles the tree that has no roots because he also ignores wisdom from good teaching including those of God to the point of failing to actualize his goals in his life. That is why people tell him, “a tree without roots withers.”

This Proverb Teaches People About: The importance of strong foundations in life, respecting culture, family, and good morals, remaining connected to God and spiritual values, remembering one’s origin and identity, and living a stable and disciplined life.

A person without principles is like a tree without roots, he cannot stand firm during storms.

Jeremiah 17:7–8 “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord… They will be like a tree planted by the water.”

Psalm 1:3 “That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season.”

Colossians 2:7 “Rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith.”

Matthew 7:24–27 Jesus teaches that a person who builds on a strong foundation will stand firm when storms come.

1525. SUKUMA: BHULANGWA BHO NDUHU JITO BHULI GUTI TALA IYO IDINA MAGUTA.

Ulusumo lunulo luhoyelile giki ubhumani ying’wene bhudatoshije mpaka wambilije bhanhu gwikala chiza. Umulikujo lya jiafrica, nono abhamuchalo, abhanhu bhanhiyagwa likujo bho gujilanija numo alibhutumamila ubhumani bhokwe ijinagubheja kaya iyalange lisoga, idi bho bhumani duhu.

Itala iyo idina mafuta idadulile gufunya lisana, giko lulu, nu bhumani ubho bhudina miito bhudadulile gwambilija bhanbhu gwikala chiza. Hunagwene abhanhu abhakikujo bhagayomba giki, “bhulangwa bho nduhu miito bhuli guti tala iyo idina maguta.”

Ulusumo lunulo lugalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo wilanga mihayo mingi mushule, mukanika nulu mubhananzengo bhiye, aliyo lulu adumile uguitumamila umuwikaji bhokwe. Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agayombaga mihayo ikujo aliyo adikalaga muwikaji wikujo kunguno ya nhungwa jakwe gubhiza ja bhubhi, umukajile kakwe. Uweyi agadumaga uguyilela chiza ikaya yakwe kunguno ya nhungwa jakwe ijabhubhi jinijo, umukikalile kakwe kenako.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo agikolaga nuyo alinibala litale aliyo adalilimaga kunguno nuweyi alinabhumani bho mihayo mingi aliyo adabhutumamilaga umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagang’wilaga giki, “bhulangwa bho nduhu miito bhuli guti tala iyo idina maguta.”

Ulusumo lunulo lolanga bhanhu higulya ya solobho ya kubhutumamila chiza ubhulangwa ubho bhabhupandika kugiki bhadule gujilela chiza ikaya jabho jinijo, umuwikaji bhobho bhunubho.

Yakobo 1:22.

Mathayo 5:16.

Mhubiri 9:10.

Luka 11:33.

SWAHILI: ELIMU BILA MATENDO NI KAMA TAA ISIYO NA MAFUTA.

Methali hii huzungumzia kwamba maarifa pekee hayatoshi isipokuwa yaemetekelezwa. Katika hekima ya kitamaduni ya Kiafrika, haswa katika jamii nyingi za vijijini, watu walimthamini mtu si tu kwa kile alichokijua, bali pia kwa jinsi alivyotumia maarifa yake katika kuwasaidia wengine vya kutosha kuboresha maisha yao. Taa isiyo na mafuta haiwezi kutoa mwanga; vivyo hivyo, elimu isiyo na matendo haiwezi kuinufaisha jamii. Ndiyo maana wenye busara walisema “elimu bila matendo ni kama taa isiyo na mafuta.”

Methali hiyo hulinganishwa kwa mtu yule ambaye amejifunza mambo mengi shuleni, kanisani, au katika jamii, lakini anashindwa kutumia maarifa hayo katika maisha ya kila siku. Mtu kama huyo huzungumza kwa busara lakini haishi kwa busara kwa sababu ya mwenendo wake mbaya. Yeye hushindwa kuwalea vizuri wanafamilia wake kwa sababu ya kuzungumza kwa busara bila kuishi kwa busara katika maisha yake.

Mtu huyo hufanana na mtu yule ambaye anamiliki zana za kilimo lakini halimi kamwe ardhi, au mtu ambaye hubeba Biblia kila siku lakini halitii Neno la Mungu. Maarifa ya mtu huyo hayana maana bila ya kutekelezwa kwa matendo yaboreshayo maisha ya watu. Ndiyo maana watu humwambia kwamba, “elimu bila matendo ni kama taa isiyo na mafuta.”

Methali hii huwafundisha watu kuhusu: umuhimu wa kutumia elimu katika vitendo, kutumia hekima kuitumikia jamii, kuishi kulingana na kile ambacho mtu amejifunza, uwajibikaji na tabia njema na thamani ya maarifa ya vitendo maishani mwao, ili waweze kufanikiwa maishani mwao.

Yakobo 1:22. “Lakini iweni watendaji wa neno, wala si wasikiaji tu, mkijidanganya nafsi zenu.”

Mathayo 5:16. “Nuru yenu na iangaze mbele ya watu, wapate kuyaona matendo yenu mema.”

Mhubiri 9:10. “Lolote mkono wako utakalopata kulifanya, lifanye kwa nguvu zako zote.”

Luka 11:33. “Hakuna mtu awashaye taa na kuificha.”

Mistari hii huonesha kwamba hekima na elimu ya kweli lazima izae matendo mema yanayowanufaisha wengine.

ENGLISH: EDUCATION WITHOUT ACTION IS LIKE A LAMP WITHOUT OIL.

This proverb talks about that knowledge alone is not enough unless it is put into practice. In traditional African wisdom, especially in many village communities, people valued a person not only for what he knew, but for how he used his knowledge to help others enough to improve their lives. A lamp without oil cannot produce light; likewise, education without action cannot benefit society. That is why the wise said “education without action is like a lamp without oil.”

This saying is compared to a person who has learned many things in school, church, or society, but fails to apply that knowledge in daily life. Such a person talks wisely but does not live wisely because of his wicked conduct. He fails to nurture well his family members because of speaking wisely without living wisely in his life.

This person resembles someone who owns farming tools but never cultivates the land, or a person who carries a Bible every day but never obeys the Word of God. Knowledge becomes useless when it is not practiced. That is why people tell him that, “education without action is like a lamp without oil.”

This proverb teaches people about: the importance of putting education into action, using wisdom to serve society, living according to what one has learned, responsibility and good character and the value of practical knowledge in life.

James 1:22. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”

Matthew 5:16. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works.”

Ecclesiastes 9:10.  “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.”

Luke 11:33. “No one lights a lamp and hides it.”

These verses show that true wisdom and education must produce good actions that benefit others.

1524. SUKUMA: AMIITO GALIMIZA GULEB’A IMIHAYO.

Imbuki ya lusumo lunulo yifumilile kuli nimi uyo wikalaga muchalo ja Sanjo. Unimi ng’wunuyo, omishiga diyu ogandya gulima mpaka lyagwa ilimi kunguno oliamanile igiki “ijito jigayombaga noyi kulebha imihayo.” Hunagwene abhanhu abho bhamujaga inguno ya gwita chiniko obhashogejaga giki, “amiito galimiza gulebha imihayo.”

Ulusumo lunulo lugalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo alinikujo lwa golecha bhutungulija nu bhutogwa bhokwe bho gubhitila imilimo iyo agayitaga duhu. Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agiitaga yose iyo ilimubhulagani bhokwe na kajile kakwe kunguno ya likujo lyakwe linilo umuwikaji bhokwe. Uweyi agasabhaga sabho ningi noyi ahakaya yakwe yiniyo kunguno ya likujo lyakwe linilo ilyaguitimija imilimo yakwe bho gwigulambija guitumama chiza, umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agikolaga nuyo otumamaga milimo yakwe gwingila diyu mpaka lyagagwa ilimi kunguno nuweyi agigulambijaga gutumama milimo yakwe mpaga osabha sabho ningi aha kaya yakwe yiniyo umuwikaji bhokwe. Uweyi alintongeji ntungulija uyo agabholekeja abhanhu bhakwe nzila ya wiza bho gutumama milimo chiza, adiogutumila mihayo duhu. Hunagwene agayombaga giki, “amiito galimiza gulebha imihayo.”

Ulusumo lunulo, lolanga bhanhu higulya ya bhutungilija na wigulambija bho gutumama imilimo midamu. Lubhalanga gudebha igiki mihayo duhu idadulile gubheja bhutungulija kugiki bhadule guyimalamaja bho miito gabho iyo bhagayiyombaga, umuwikaji bhobho.

Yakobo 2:17.

Mathayo 7:16.

1 Yohana 3:18.

Mithali 14:23.

SWAHILI: VITENDO NI BORA KULIKO MANENO.

Asili ya methali hii ilianzia kutoka kwa mkulima aliyeishi katika kijiji cha Sanjo. Mkulima huyo alikuwa akiamka mapema asubuhi na kuanza kufanya kazi kuanzia asubuhi hadi jioni kwa sababu alijua kwamba “matendo huzungumza zaidi kuliko maneno.” Ndiyo maana watu walipomuuliza sababu ya kufanya hivyo, alijibu kwa kusema kwamba, “matendo ni bora kuliko maneno.”

Methali hii hulinganishwa kwa mtu mwenye hekima ya kuthibitisha wema wake, uaminifu, upendo, au bidii kwa kupitia kile anachofanya badala ya kile anachosema tu. Mtu kama huyo hutimiza ahadi zake na kuonesha tabia njema kwa matendo ambayo huwatendea wengine kwa sababu ya hekima yake hiyo maishani mwake.  Yeye hutajirika sana katika familia yake kwa sababu ya hekima yake hiyo ya kutekeleza anachosema kwa kufanya kazi kwa bidii katika maisha yake hayo ya kila siku.

Mtu huyo hufanana na yule mkulima aliyefanya kazi zake kuanzia asubuhi hadi jioni kwa sababu naye pia hufanya kazi zake kwa bidii hadi kufikia hatua ya kuwa tajiri katika familia yake. Yeye ni kiongozi anayewahudumia watu kwa uaminifu badala ya kutoa ahadi tupu. Ndiyo maana husema kwamba “matendo ni bora kuliko maneno.”

Methali hii huwafundisha watu kuhusu: uwajibikaji, uaminifu, kuwa na bidii ya kufanya kazi ngumu. Kuelewa kuwa maneno pekee hayawezi kujenga uaminifu isipokuwa yanaungwa mkono na matendo. Kwa hiyo, watu wanapaswa kuishi kulingana na yale wanayoyasema na kuyatekeleza yale wanayohubiri.

Yakobo 2:17 “Imani yenyewe, ikiwa haina matendo, imekufa.”

Mathayo 7:16 “Kwa matunda yao mtawatambua.”

1 Yohana 3:18 “Tusipende kwa maneno au kwa usemi bali kwa matendo na kweli.”

Mithali 14:23 “Kila kazi ngumu huleta faida, lakini maneno matupu huleta umaskini.”

ENGLISH: ACTIONS ARE BETTER THAN WORDS

The original of this proverb started from a farmer who lived at Sanjo village. This farmer used to wake up and start working from morning to evening because he knew that “actions speak louder than words.” That why when people asked him a reason of doing so, he answered “actions are better than words.”

This proverb is equaled to a person who has wisdom of proving his goodness, honesty, love, or hard work through what he does instead of what he merely says. Such a person fulfills promises and demonstrates character by deeds which he does to others because of his wisdom in life. He becomes so rich at his family because of his wisdom of practicing what he says by working hard in his daily life.

This person resembles a farmer who did his works from morning to evening because he also works hard to the point of becoming rich at his family. He is a leader who serves people faithfully instead of making empty promises.That is why he says “actions are better than words.”

This proverb teaches people about: honesty, responsibility, faithfulness, and hard work. Words alone cannot build trust unless they are supported by actions. People should live according to what they say and practice what they preach.

James 2:17 “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

Matthew 7:16 “By their fruits you will know them.”

1John 3:18 “Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”

Proverbs 14:23 “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”