Fr. Joe Healey

1537. SUKUMA: NTI GUMO GUDABHEJAGA IPOLU.

Ulusumo lunulo lwingilile mu likujo lya kikalile ka jiafrica. Uloyi luhoyelile munhu uyo agatumamaga milimo yakwe bho gwiyambilija na bhiye mpaka opandika sabho ningi aha kaya yakwe. Kitumo ilipolu umo ligabhejiyagwa na manti mingi, giko na bhanhu bhagabhizaga bhakomezu ulu bhalitumama milimo yabho kihamo. Hunagwene uweyi agabhawilaga abhanhu giki, “nti gumo gudabhejaga ipolu.”

Ulusumo lunulo lugalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo alina witegeleja bho gwiyambilija nabhiye ugutumama imilimo yakwe, umuwikaji bhokwe. Umunhu ng’wunuyo agalombaga wambilijiwa gwingine kubhiye ijinabhutumami bho milimo yakwe kunguno ya witegeleja bhokwe bhunubho, umukikalile kakwe. Uweyi agapandikaga sabho ningi aha kaya yakwe kunguno ya kutumama milimo kihamo na bhiye aha kaya yakwe yiniyo, umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo agikolaga nuyo atumamaga milimo yakwe kihamo na bhanhu bha ha kaya yakwe mpaga opandika sabho ningi aha kaya yakwe, kunguno nuweyi agatumamaga milimo yakwe kihamo nabhiye mpaga osabha aha kaya yakwe yiniyo. Hunagwene agabhawilaga abhanhu bhakwe giki “nti gumo gudabhejaga ipolu.”

Ulusumo lunulo lolanga bhanhu higulya ya gubhiza na witegeleja bho gutumama milimo yabho bho gwiyambilija kihamo nabhichabho, kugiki bhadule kupandika sabho ningi umukaya jabho jinijo, umuwikaji bhobho.

Mhubiri 4:9-10.

1Wakorintho 12:12.

Warumi 12:4-5.

Mithali 27:17.

SWAHILI: MTI MMOJA HAUWEZI KUTENGENEZA MSITU.

Methali hii inatokana na hekima ya jadi za Kiafrika. Inasisitiza kwamba hakuna mtu anayeweza kufikia mambo makubwa peke yake. Inamzungumzia mtu anayefanya kazi pamoja na wengine kiasi cha kutosha kufikia maendeleo makubwa katika familia yake. Kama vile msitu unavyoundwa na miti mingi inayokua pamoja, jamii, familia, na mashirika huwa imara watu wanapofanya kazi pamoja kwa umoja na ushirikiano. Ndiyo maana yeye huwaambia watu kwamba, “mti mmoja hauwezi kutengeneza msitu.”

Methali hii hulinganishwa kwa mtu anayeelewa thamani ya ushirikiano katika maisha yake. Mtu huyu hutafuta msaada, usaidizi, na michango ya wengine kwa ajili ya kukamilisha kazi muhimu katika familia yake. Yeye hupata mafanikio makubwa katika familia yake kwa sababu ya kufanya kazi kwa umoja na wanafamilia wake.

Mtu huyu hufanana na yule aliyefanya kazi pamoja na wanafamilia wake hadi kufikia hatua ya kupata maendeleo makubwa, kwa sababu naye pia anajua thamani ya ushirikiano hadi kufikia hatua ya kufanya kazi pamoja na wengine kiasi cha kutosha kupata maendeleo makubwa katika familia yake. Yeye hategemei tu nguvu za kibinafsi lakini pia anathamini vipawa, vipaji, na juhudi za wengine. Mtu kama huyo huendeleza umoja, ushirikiano, na usaidizi wa pande zote. Ndiyo maana huwaambia watu wake kwamba, “mti mmoja hauwezi kutengeneza msitu.”

Methali hii huwapa watu mawazo kuhusu: Umuhimu wa kufanya kazi kwa pamoja. Umoja na ushirikiano katika kufikia mafanikio. Haja ya usaidizi wa pande zote katika familia, makanisa, na jamii. Unyenyekevu katika kutambua kwamba kila mtu anahitaji wengine. Nguvu inayotokana na kufanya kazi pamoja kuelekea lengo moja.

Mhubiri 4:9-10. “Wawili ni bora kuliko mmoja, kwa sababu wana thawabu njema kwa kazi yao. Kwa maana wakianguka, mmoja atamwinua mwenzake.” Kufanya kazi pamoja huleta mafanikio na usaidizi mkubwa.

1 Wakorintho 12:12. “Kwa maana kama vile mwili ni mmoja na una viungo vingi, na viungo vyote vya mwili huo mmoja, navyo ni vingi, ni mwili mmoja, vivyo hivyo na Kristo.” Watu wa Mungu ni watu wengi waliounganishwa kama mwili mmoja, kila mmoja akiwa na jukumu la kipekee.

Warumi 12:4-5. “Kwa maana kama vile tulivyo na viungo vingi katika mwili mmoja, lakini viungo vyote havifanyi kazi sawa, vivyo hivyo na sisi, tukiwa wengi, tu mwili mmoja katika Kristo.” Kila mtu huchangia kitu chenye thamani kwa jamii.

Mithali 27:17. “Kama chuma chinoavyo chuma, ndivyo mtu mmoja anavyonoa mwingine.” Watu hukua na kuwa na nguvu na hekima zaidi kupitia mwingiliano na ushirikiano na wengine.

Methali “Mti Mmoja Hauwezi Kutengeneza Msitu” inawapa watu wazo kwamba mafanikio, nguvu, na ukuaji mara nyingi hupatikana kupitia umoja na ushirikiano. Kama vile msitu unavyohitaji miti mingi, mafanikio makubwa yanahitaji watu kufanya kazi pamoja kwa amani. Biblia pia inafundisha kwamba waumini wameitwa kusaidiana na kufanya kazi pamoja kama mwili mmoja katika Kristo.

ENGLISH: “ONE TREE CANNOT MAKE A FOREST.”

This proverb originates from traditional African wisdom. It emphasizes that no individual can achieve great things alone. It talks about a person who works together with others enough achieve great developments at his family. Just as a forest is made up of many trees growing together, communities, families, and organizations become strong when people work together in unity and cooperation. That is why he tell people “one tree cannot make a forest.”

This proverb is compared to a person who understands the value of teamwork in his life. This person seeks the help, support, and contributions of others for accomplishing important tasks in his family. He achieves great success in his family because of working in unity with his family members.

This person resembles the one who worked together with his family members to the point of achieving great advancement, because he also knows the value of teamwork to the point working together with others enough to achieve great family development. He does not rely only on personal strength but appreciates the gifts, talents, and efforts of others. Such a person promotes unity, cooperation, and mutual support. That is why he tells his people “one tree cannot make a forest.”

This proverb imparts in people ideas about: The importance of teamwork. Unity and cooperation in achieving success. The need for mutual support in families, churches, and communities. Humility in recognizing that everyone needs others. The strength that comes from working together toward a common goal.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10. “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.” Working together brings greater success and support.

1Corinthians 12:12. “For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.” God’s people are many individuals united as one body, each with a unique role.

Romans 12:4-5. “For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ.” Every person contributes something valuable to the community.

Proverbs 27:17. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” People grow stronger and wiser through interaction and cooperation with others.

The proverb “One Tree Cannot Make a Forest” imparts in people an idea that success, strength, and growth are often achieved through unity and cooperation. Just as a forest requires many trees, great achievements require people working together in harmony. The Bible likewise teaches that believers are called to support one another and work together as one body in Christ.

 

 

 

1536. SUKUMA: IJIPILE MUNGUNDA JIDANINDILAGA UNG’WINJA O JILIWA UYO ALALILE.

Ulusumo lusulo lulolile likujo lya jiafrica ilo likomelejije bhukamu bho gutumama milimo chiza. Uloi lulolile jiliwa jipile ijo jilimungunda na jidakililwe gwinjiwa wangu kunguno ulu jidinjiwe wangu jigubhipa. Ung’winja ojiliwa jinijo uyo agalalaga agajimijaga isabho ijo winhiwa jinijo. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagang’wilaga giki, “ijipile mungunda jidanindilaga ung’winja o jiliwa uyo alalile.”

Ulusumo lunulo lugalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo alina bhugokolo bho gukelesha guitumama imilimo yakwe umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agagumanijaga uwasa bhokwe bho gwigasha na nduhu ugulitumila ilikanza lyakwe chiza kunguno ya bhugokolo bhokwe bhunubho. Uweyi agakoyiyagwa ni koye lya nzala aha kaya yakwe kunguno ya bhugokolo bhokwe ubho guleka gwigulambija gutumama milimo yakwe yiniyo, umukikalile kakwe kenako.

Umunhu ung’wunuyo, agikolaga nuyo agalala ahikanja lya gwinja jiliwa jakwe umungunda mpaka nose juphipa ijiliwa jinijo, kunguno nuweyi agalekaga uguitumama imilimo yakwe mpaga oyukoyiwa na nzala aha kaya yakwe yiniyo, umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagang’wilaga giki, “ijipile mungunda jidanindilaga ung’winja o jiliwa uyo alalile.”

Ulusumo lunulo lolanga bhanhu higulya ya kubhiza na bhuhuguku bho kugwigulambija gutumama milimo yabho chiza kugiki bhadule kupandika matwajo mingi umukaya jabho jinijo.

Mithali 10:5.

Mithali 6:9 -11.

Yohana 4:35.

Mathayo 9:37-38.

Waefeso 5:15-16.

SWAHILI: MAVUNO HAYANGOJI MVUNAJI ALIYELALA.

Methali hii inatokana na hekima ya Kiafrika inayosisitiza bidii, utayari, na umuhimu wa kutenda kwa wakati unaofaa. Mavuno ni msimu unaohitaji uharaka kwa sababu mazao huharibika yasipokusanywa yanapoiva. Mvunaji anayelala hupoteza fursa iliyoandaliwa kwa ajili yake. Ndiyo maana watu humwambia kwamba, “mavuno hayangoji mvunaji aliyelala.”

Methali hii hulinganishwa kwa mtu yule ambaye ana uvivu wa kuchelewesha majukumu muhimu maishani mwake. Mtu huyu hupuuza fursa kwa kukaa bila kuzitumia kwa wakati unaofaa kwa sababu ya uvivu wake maishani mwake. Yeye hushindwa kutenda wakati hatua inahitajika hadi kufikia hatua ya kukabiliwa na tatizo la njaa katika familia yake. Mtu kama huyo hutarajia kupata mafanikio bila juhudi na thawabu kufanya bila kazi.

Mtu huyu hufanana na yule mvunaji aliyepoteza mavuno yake baada ya kulala, kwa sababu naye pia hupuuza fursa anazoziona hadi kufikia hatua ya kukabiliwa na njaa katika familia yake. Yeye ni kama mtu ambaye hajali kiroho, hupuuza wito wa Mungu, huahirisha toba, au hupoteza vipaji na fursa ambazo Mungu amempa. Wakati wengine wanafanya kazi na kujiandaa, yeye hubaki hana shughuli na hajajiandaa. Ndiyo maana watu humwambia kwamba, “mavuno hayangoji mvunaji aliyelala.”

Methali hii huwafundisha watu kuhusu: Umuhimu wa kufanya kazi kwa bidii maishani. Kuwa macho na tayari fursa zinapojitokeza. Hatari ya uvivu na kuahirisha mambo. Kutumia muda vizuri kwa sababu fursa hazidumu milele. Kuitikia wito na majukumu ya Mungu haraka.

Mithali 10:5. “Akusanyaye mavuno wakati wa kiangazi ni mwana mwenye busara, lakini alalaye wakati wa mavuno ni mwana mwenye aibu.” Mstari huu unafundisha moja kwa moja kwamba kulala wakati wa mavuno husababisha hasara na aibu.

Mithali 6:9 -11. “Utalala huko hadi lini, wewe mvivu? Utaamka lini kutoka usingizini?” Biblia inaonya dhidi ya uvivu kwa sababu husababisha umaskini na fursa zilizopotea.

Yohana 4:35. “Inueni macho yenu mkayatazame mashamba, kwa kuwa tayari yamekuwa meupe kwa ajili ya mavuno.” Yesu anafundisha kwamba mavuno yako tayari na wafanyakazi lazima watende bila kukawia.

Mathayo 9:37-38. “Mavuno ni mengi lakini wafanyakazi ni wachache.” Kazi ya Mungu inahitaji wafanyakazi wenye bidii na wenye nia, si wavunaji wanaolala.

Waefeso 5:15-16. “Basi, kuwa mwangalifu sana jinsi mnavyoishi… mkitumia vyema kila fursa.” Waumini wameitwa kutumia muda wao kwa busara na kutumia fursa ambazo Mungu hutoa.

Fursa ni kama mavuno yaliyoiva: huja kwa msimu na kisha hupita. Wale walio na bidii huvuna thawabu, lakini wale wanaolala usingizi wakati wa mavuno hupoteza kile ambacho kingekuwa chao. Kiroho na kimwili, mafanikio ni ya wale walio macho, waaminifu, na wenye bidii.

ENGLISH: THE HARVEST DOES NOT WAIT FOR THE SLEEPING HARVESTER.

This proverb comes from African wisdom that emphasizes diligence, readiness, and the importance of acting at the right time. Harvest is a season that requires urgency because crops become spoiled if they are not gathered when they are ripe. A sleeping harvester loses the opportunity that was prepared for him. That is why people tell him “the harvest does not wait for the sleeping harvester.”

This proverb is compared to a person who has laziness of delaying important responsibilities in his life. This person ignores opportunities by staying without using them at a right time because of his laziness in his life. He fails to act when action is needed to the point of facing famine at his family. Such a person expects success without effort and reward without labor.

This person resembles the harvester who lost his harvest after sleeping, because he also ignores opportunities to the point of facing famine at his family. He is like someone who is spiritually careless, neglects God’s calling, postpones repentance, or wastes the talents and opportunities God has given. While others are working and preparing, he remains inactive and unprepared. That is why people tell him “the harvest does not wait for the sleeping harvester.”

This proverb teaches people about: The importance of hard work and diligence. Being alert and ready when opportunities arise. The danger of laziness and procrastination. Making good use of time because opportunities do not last forever. Responding promptly to God’s call and responsibilities.

Proverbs 10:5. “He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.” This verse directly teaches that sleeping during harvest leads to loss and shame.

Proverbs 6:9-11. “How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep?” The Bible warns against laziness because it leads to poverty and missed opportunities.

John 4:35. “Lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest.” Jesus teaches that the harvest is ready and workers must act without delay.

Matthew 9:37-38. “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.” God’s work requires active and willing laborers, not sleeping harvesters.

Ephesians 5:15-16. “Be very careful, then, how you live… making the most of every opportunity.” Believers are called to use their time wisely and seize opportunities God provides.

Opportunities are like a ripe harvest: they come for a season and then pass away. Those who are diligent reap the reward, but those who sleep through the harvest lose what could have been theirs. Spiritually and physically, success belongs to those who are watchful, faithful, and hardworking.

 

 

1535. UYO WIBHA UKO OFUMILA, AGAJIMILAGA UKO ALIJA.

Imbuki ya lusumo lunulo igigelaga umukikalile ka jiafrica. Ulusumo lunulo luhoyelile munhu uyo agiibha uko ofimila mpaga nose ujimija ubhulingisilo bho wikaji bhokwe. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagang’wila giki, “uyo wibha uko ofumila, agajimilaga uko alija.”

Ulusumo lunulo lugalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo agalyibhaga ililange lya bhatale bhakwe umukikalile kakwe. Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agalyibhaga ililange lya bhatale bhakwe bho guligumanija sagala kunguno ya bhujidalonja bhokwe bhunubho umuwikaji bhokwe. Uweyi agafunyaga bhulamuji bhubhi aha kaya yakwe kunguno ya gulileka ililange lya bhatale bhakwe umukikalile kakwe kenako.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agikolaga nuyo agayiibha isumo yakwe mpaga ujimila uko ojaga, kunguno nuweyi agalyibhaga ililange lya bhatale bhakwe mpaka oyufunya bhulamuji bhubhi aha kaya yakwe, umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagang’wilaga giki, “uyo wibha uko ofumila, agajimilaga uko alija.”

Ulusumo lunulo lolanga bhanhu higulya ya gubhiza na witegeleja bho gulikalana chiza ililange lya bhatale bhabho kugiki bhadule gujilela chiza ikaya jabho, umuwikaji bhobho bhunubho.

Kumbukumbu la Torati 32:7.

Zaburi 78:4.

Yeremia 6:16.

Mithali 22:28.

SWAHILI: ASIYESAHAU ALIPOTOKA, HUPOTEA ANAKOENDA.

Asili ya Methali hiyo hapo juu hupatikana katika tamaduni nyingi za Kiafrika. Methali hii huelezea maana ya kukumbuka mizizi, historia, familia, mila, na maadili ya mtu. Yenyewe humzungumzia mtu aliyesahau asili yake na hivyo kupoteza utambulisho wake, mwelekeo, na kusudi lake maishani mwake. Ndiyo maana watu walimwambia kwamba, “asisahau alikotoka, hupotea anakoenda.”

Methali hii ni sawa na mtu anayeacha urithi wake kwa kupuuza hekima ya wazee wake maishani mwake. Mtu huyu husahau masomo yaliyounda maisha yake. Yeye huathiriwa kwa urahisi na mawazo potofu hadi kufikia hatua ya kufanya maamuzi mabaya kwa sababu ya kuacha msingi wake imara maishani mwake.

Mtu huyu hufanana na yule aliyepoteza kusudi lake baada ya kusahau asili yake kwa sababu naye pia husahau mafundisho ya wazee wake hadi kufikia hatua ya kufanya maamuzi mabaya maishani mwake. Ni kama msafiri anayesafiri safari ndefu bila ramani au dira. Kwa sababu hajui alikoanzia, hawezi kuamua kwa usahihi juu ya njia sahihi ya kufuata anakokwenda. Ndiyo maana watu humwambia kwamba, “asisahau alikotoka, hupotea anakoenda.”

Methali hii huwafundisha watu kuhusu: umuhimu wa kukumbuka mizizi na urithi wao. Kuheshimu familia, utamaduni, na mila. Kujifunza kutokana na uzoefu wa zamani. Kujenga mustakabali juu ya msingi imara kwa kudumisha utambulisho na kusudi maishani.

Kumbukumbu la Torati 32:7. “Kumbuka siku za kale; fikiria vizazi vilivyopita. Mwulize baba yako, naye atakuambia, wazee wako, nao watakueleza.” Mstari huu unawahimiza watu kukumbuka historia yao na kujifunza kutoka kwa wale waliowatangulia.

Zaburi 78:4. “Hatutawaficha watoto wao; tutawaambia kizazi kijacho matendo ya sifa ya Bwana.” Watu wa Mungu wameagizwa kukumbuka na kurithisha urithi wao kwa vizazi vijavyo.

Yeremia 6:16. “Simama kwenye njia panda, utazame, uliza njia za kale, uliza, njia njema iko wapi, na uifuate.” Nabii anafundisha kwamba hekima hupatikana kwa kukumbuka na kufuata njia njema za zamani.

Mithali 22:28. “Usiondoe jiwe la mpaka wa kale lililowekwa na baba zako.” Mstari huu unasisitiza heshima kwa urithi na misingi iliyoanzishwa na vizazi vilivyopita.

Mtu anayekumbuka alikotoka hutembea kwa hekima, utambulisho, na kusudi. Kukumbuka mizizi ya mtu humsaidia kufanya maamuzi mazuri, kuhifadhi mila zenye thamani, na kubaki mwaminifu kwa kanuni zinazowaongoza maishani.

ENGLISH: HE WHO FORGOT WHERE HE CAME FROM,  GETS LOST WHERE HE IS GOING.

The Original of the overhead proverb is common in lots of African cultures. This proverb expresses the meaning of remembering one’s roots, history, family, traditions, and values. It talks about a person who forgot his origin as a result he lost his identity, direction, and purpose in life. That is why people told him, “He who forgot where he came from, gets lost where he is going.”

This proverb is equaled to a person who abandons his heritage by ignoring the wisdom of his elders in his life. This person forgets the lessons that shaped his life. He is easily influenced by wrong ideas to the point of making poor decisions because abandoning his firm foundation in life.

This person resembles the one who lost his purpose after forgetting his origin because he also forgets the lessions of his elders to the point of making poor decisions in his life. He is like the one who is traveling on a long journey without a map or compass. Because he does not know where he started, he cannot determine the correct path to his destination. That is why people tell him, “He who forgot where he came from, gets lost where he is going.”

This proverb teaches people about: an importance of remembering their roots and heritage. Respecting family, culture, and traditions. Learning from the experiences of the past. Building the future upon a strong foundation by maintaining identity and purpose in life.

Deuteronomy 32:7. “Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders and they will explain to you.” This verse encourages people to remember their history and learn from those who came before them.

Psalm 78:4. “We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord.” God’s people are instructed to remember and pass on their heritage to future generations.

Jeremiah 6:16. “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it.” The prophet teaches that wisdom is found by remembering and following the good paths of the past.

Proverbs 22:28. “Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your ancestors.” This verse emphasizes respect for the heritage and foundations established by previous generations.

A person who remembers where he comes from walks with wisdom, identity, and purpose. Remembering ones’s roots helps him make good decisions, preserve valuable traditions, and remain faithful to the principles that guide them through life.

 

 

 

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.”