legacy

1487. B’ALALAPU.

Bhalihoyi bhanhu abho bhatumama milimo yabho umchalo ja Gabale. Abhanhu bhenabho bhandyaga dihu uguitumama imilimo yiniyo mpaka lyagalibhila ilimi kunguno bhahayaga bhaimale wangu imilimo yabho yiniyo. Abhoyi bhalalaga bhanogile noyi kunguno ya gutumama milimo bho likanza lilihu chiniko, umukikalile kabho kenako. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagabhitanaga giki “b’alalapu.”

Akahayile kenako kagalenganijiyagwa ku bhanhu abho bhagatumamaga milimo bho nduhu uguisatwa imimili yabho yiniyo, umukikalile kabho kenako. Abhanhu bhagatumamaga milimo midamu iyo ijikililile nguzu jabho guti gubhucha miligo midito kunguno ya gukija guisatwa imimili yabho yiniyo umuwikaji bhobho bhunubho. Abhoyi bhagikalaga bhusata bhuli makanza kunguno ya gukija guidilila chiza imimili yabho yiniyo, umukikalile kabho kenako.

Abhanhu bhenabho, bhagikolaga nabho bhatumamaga milimo gwingila diyu mpaka lyagagwa ilimi, kunguno nabhoyi bhagabhuchaga miligo midito mpaga yayusata imimili yabho yiniyo, umuwikaji bhobho bhunubho. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagabhitanaga giki, “b’alalapu.”

Akahayile kenako kalanga bhanhu higulya ya gubhiza na uwitegeleja bho guidilila chiza imimili yabho bho gutumama milimo iyo ilinganilile ni nguzu jabho, kugiki bhadule guyilanhana chiza imimili yabho yiniyo, umuwikaji bhobho bhunubho.

Walawi 14:21.

1Wathesalonike 5:6.

2Timotheo 4:5.

1Petro 1:13.

KISWAHILI: WALALA HOI.

Walikuwepo watu waliokuwa wakifanya kazi katika kijiji cha Gabale. Watu hao walifanya kazi hiyo kuanzia asubuhi hadi jioni kwa sababu ya kutaka kuimaliza mapema kazi yao hiyo. Wao walilala wakiwa wamechoka sana kwa sababu ya kufanya kazi mpaka kupitiliza, katika maisha yao hayo. Ndiyo maana watu waliwaita jina la “walala hoi.”

Msemo huo hulinganishwa kwa watu wale ambao hufanya kazi bila ya kuihurumia miili yao, katika maisha yao. Watu hao hufanya kazi nzito kupita uwezo wao kama vile kubeba mizigo mizito zaidi ya nguvu zao kwa sababu ya kukosa umakini huo wa kuihurumia vizuri miili yao hiyo, maishani mwao. Wao huugua mara kwa mara kwa sababu ya kubeba mizigo hiyo mizito kupita uwezo wa nguvu zao hizo, katika maisha yao.

Watu hao, hufanana na wale waliofanya kazi kuanzia asubuhi hadi jioni mpaka wakachoka sana, kwa sababu nao hubeba mizigo mizito mpaka wanaiumiza miili yao hiyo, maishani mwao. Ndiyo maana watu huwaita jina la “walala hoi.”

Msemo huo, hufundisha watu juu ya kuwa na umakini wa kuijali vizuri miili yao kwa kufanya kazi kulingana na uwezo wao bila ya kujiumiza, ili waweze kuzitunza vizuri afya zao hizo, maishani mwao.

Walawi 14:21.

1Wathesalonike 5:6.

2Timotheo 4:5.

1Petro 1:13.

ENGLISH: EXHAUSTED SLEEPERS

There were people working in the village of Gabale. They worked from morning until evening because they wanted to finish their work early. As a result, they became extremely tired and slept in complete exhaustion. That is why people called them “exhausted sleepers.”

This saying is compared to people who work without caring for their bodies. They do heavy work beyond their strength, such as carrying loads that are too heavy for them, because they do not pay attention to taking proper care of themselves. As a result, they often become sick due to overworking and straining their bodies.

These people are like those who worked from morning to evening until they were completely worn out. In the same way, they burden themselves until they damage their health. That is why they are called “exhausted sleepers.”

This saying teaches us to be careful and to take good care of our bodies. We should work according to our ability without harming ourselves, so that we may maintain good health throughout our lives.

The Bible also teaches us to live wisely and with self-control. In the Book of Leviticus 14:21, we see that God considers human ability and limitations.

First Epistle to the Thessalonians 5:6, we are encouraged to be alert and self-controlled.

In Second Epistle to Timothy 4:5, we are told to endure hardships wisely. And in First Epistle of Peter 1:13, we are instructed to prepare our minds and exercise self-discipline.

Therefore, let us work hard, but also wisely, remembering that our bodies are valuable and should be cared for properly.

1486. NAMILINGA OSALANG’HANA.

Akahayile kenako kahoyelile munhu uyo agamilinga ng’wiye kunimo gokwe uyo agalema. Umunhu ng’wunuyo agamilinga ung’wiye ng’wunuyo, gung’wambilija gulima ngunda gokwe kunguno goligutale noyi. Uweyi agalima weyi duhu ukungunda gokwe gunuyo kunguno uyo agamilinga gwiza gung’wambilija agalema. Hunagwene aho bhamuja abhiye ung’winikili ngunda agayomba giki, “namilinga osalang’hana.”

Akahayile kenako kagalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo adina bhumo bho gulungana na bhiye umukikalile kakwe kenako. Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agikalaga bhung’wene bho nduhu ugwiyambilija na bhiye ugutumama imilimo yakwe yiniyo, kunguno ya gugayiwa bhumo bhokwe bhunubho ubho gwiyambilija gutumama milimo nabhiye bhenabho, umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Uweyi agadumaga uguyilela chiza ikaya yakwe yiniyo, kunguno ya nhungwa jakwe jinijo ija gugayiwa bhumo nabhiye bhunubho, umukikalile kakwe kenako.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agikolaga nuyo agabhilingwa gujung’wambilija ng’wiye gujulima ngunda ulema, kunguno nuweyi adina bhumo ubho gwiyambilija nabhiye ugutumama imilimo, umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagang’wilaga giki, “namilinga osalang’hana.”

Akahayile kenako kalanga bhanhu higulya ya gubhiza na bhumo bho gwiyambilija gutumama milimo yabho chiza, kugiki bhadule gujibheja chiza ikaya jabho umuwikaji bhobho bhunubho.

Mathayo 22:1-3.

2Petro 1:3.

Waefeso 5:9.

Mathayo 21:28-31.

KISWAHILI: NIMEMWALIKA AKAKATAA.

Msemo huo huongelea mtu aliyemwalika mwenzake kumsaidia kwenye kazi yake akakataa. Mtu huyo, alimwalika mwenzake huyo kwenda kumsaidia kulima shamba lake kwa sababu lilikuwa kubwa sana. Yeye alilima yeye tu kwenye shamba lake hilo kwa sababu yule aliyemwalika kuja kumsaidia alikataa. Ndiyo maana watu walimuuliza juu ya yule aliyekataa alisema kwamba, “nimemwalika akakataa.”

Msemo huo, hulinganishwa kwa mtu yule ambaye hana ushirikiano wa kusaidiana na wenzake katika kuyatekeleza majukumu yake, maishani mwake. Mtu huyo huishi peke yake bila ya kusaidiana na wenzake wanaomwalika kuwasaidia kufanya kazi zao, kwa sababu ya kukosa ushirikiano wake na wenzake, katika maisha yake. Yeye hushindwa kuilea vyema familia yake hiyo, kwa sababu ya kukosa ushirikiano wake na wenzake katika utekelezaji wa majukumu yao hayo, maishani mwake.

Mtu huyo, hufanana na yule aliyekataa mwaliko wa kumsaidia mwenzake kulima shamba lake, kwa sababu naye hana ushirikiano wa kusaidiana kufanya kazi na wenzake, maishani mwake. Ndiyo maana watu husema juu yake kwamba, “nimemwalika akakataa.”

Msemo huo, hufundisha watu juu ya kuwa na ushirikiano wa kusaidiana kufanya kazi na wenzao vizuri, ili waweze kuzilea vyema familia zao, maishani mwao.

Mathayo 22:1-3.

2Petro 1:3.

Waefeso 5:9.

Mathayo 21:28-31.

ENGLISH: I INVITED HIM, BUT HE REFUSED.

This saying refers to a person who invited his colleague to help him with his work, but the colleague refused. He invited him to help cultivate his field because it was too large for one person. As a result, he cultivated the field alone since the one he invited refused to help. When people asked him about his colleague, he replied, “I invited him, but he refused.”

This saying is compared to a person who does not cooperate with his colleagues in carrying out his responsibilities in life. Such a person lives and works alone, refusing to join others when they invite him to help with their work. Because of his lack of cooperation, he struggles to fulfill his responsibilities and may even fail to raise his family well.

This person is like the one who refused to help cultivate his colleague’s field. He does not work together with others in his daily life. That is why people say about him, “I invited him, but he refused.”

This saying teaches an importance of partnership and cooperation. People should help one another in their work so that they can fulfill their responsibilities and build strong families in their lives.

Matthew 22:1–3.

2 Peter 1:3.

Ephesians 5:9.

Matthew 21:28–31.

1484. LIB’USHESHANIJA.

Akahayile kenako kahoyelile mbina ya bhakima. Umumbina yiniyo, abhakima bhenabho bhagayibhinaga ulu bhanhu bhalitola kunguno ya golecha bhutogwa bhobho ukubhichabho. Abhoyi bhagajaga gujutumama milimo ukuli ntolwa nu kuli ntoji, ukunhu bhaliibhina mbina yiniyo. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagiyitanga imbina yiniyo giki, “lib’usheshanija.”

Akahayile kenako kagalenganijiyagwa kubhanhu abho bhali na bhutogwa bho gukikalana chiza akajile kabho, umukikalile kabho. Abhanhu bhenabho bhagabhalangaga abhanhu bhabho kajile kawiza bho gubhitila meto gawiza abhichabho kunguno ya bhutogwa bhobho bhunubho, umuwikaji bhobho. Abhoyi bhagikalaga na nhungwa jawiza umukaya jabho kunguno ya bhutogwa bhobho bhunubho ubho gwikala na bhanhu chiza, umukikalile kabho kenako.

Abhanhu bhenabho bhagikolaga na bhakima abho bhali na bhutogwa bho guyidimila chiza imijilo ya witoji bhobho, kunguno nabhoyi bhalina bhutogwa bho gwikala na bhanhu chiza, umuwikaji bhobho. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagabhitanaga giki, “lib’usheshanija.”

Akahayile kenako kalanga bhanhu higulya ya gubhiza na bhutogwa bho gwikala chiza na bhanhu bhabho, kugiki bhadule gujibheja chiza ikaya jabho jinijo, umuwikaji bhobho bhunubho.

1Samweli 20:7.

Yohane 13:34-35.

Yohane 15:9-17.

Yeremia 31:3.

KISWAHLILI: MCHEZO WA WANAWAKE.

Msemo huo huongelea mchezo wa wanawake. Wanawake hao hucheza mchezo huo wakati wa watu wanapooana kwa sababu ya kuonesha upendo wao kwa wenzao. Wao huenda kufanya kazi kwenye familia ya upande wa mwanamume na ule wa mwanamke huku wakicheza mchezo huo. Ndiyo maana watu huuita jina la “mchezo wa wanawake.”

Msemo huo hulinganishwa kwa watu walio na upendo wa kuuishi utamaduni wao, katika maisha yao. Watu hao huwafundisha watu wao utamaduni mzuri kwa kuwatendea matendo mema wenzao kwa sababu ya upendo wao huo, maishani mwao. Wao huishi katika maadili mema kwenye familia zao kwa sababu ya upendo wao huo wa kuishi vizuri na watu, katika maisha yao hayo.

Watu hao, hufanana na wale wanawake waliokuwa na upendo wa kuyaishi vizuri matukio ya ndoa zao, kwa sababu nao wana upendo wa kuishi vizuri na watu, maishani mwao. Ndiyo watu huwaita jila la “mchezo wa wanawake.”

Msemo huo, hufundisha watu juu ya kuwa na upendo wa kuishi vizuri na wenzao, ili waweze kuziendeleza vizuri familia zao, maishani mwao.

1Samweli 20:7.

Yohane 13:34-35.

Yohane 15:9-17.

Yeremia 31:3.

ENGLISH: WOMEN’S GAME

This saying refers to a special game played by women during wedding ceremonies. When a man and a woman get married, the women gather together to celebrate the union. Through songs, dances, and joyful activities, they show love and unity. They may also go to work in the families of both the bride and the groom while playing this game, strengthening the bond between the two families. Because of this joyful cultural expression, people call it “women’s game.”

This saying is compared to people who love to live out their culture in their daily lives. Just as the women express love and unity during marriage ceremonies, these people show love through good actions toward others. They teach their families and communities good morals by practicing kindness, respect, and unity. Their lives become an example of how culture and love can build strong families.

The Bible also teaches about love as the foundation of good relationships. In 1 Samuel 20:7, especially in the friendship between David and Jonathan, we see loyalty and sincere love. Their relationship shows how true love strengthens bonds between people.

In Gospel of John 13:34–35, Jesus commands, “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” He continues in John 15:9–17, teaching that remaining in His love means loving others sincerely and sacrificially. Love becomes the mark of true followers.

In Book of Jeremiah 31:3, God says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” This shows that love begins with God Himself. When people live in God’s love, they are able to love others faithfully and build peaceful families.

Therefore, this saying teaches that just as the women celebrate marriage with love and unity, every person should live with love toward others. By practicing good culture, strong morals, and genuine love, families and communities grow and develop well.

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.