proverbs

174. KALAGU – KIZE. DIKOYELA NA NG’WANA MIGU NOSE NAMPONYA: – IGONGOTE ILILILINA MANDEGE NULU NYAMA YI GUHA

Research sponsored by: Don Sybertz, with special thanks to Rev Joe Healey (African Proverbs, Sayings and Stories)

Imbuki ya kalagu yiniyo ililola, munhu uyo alilya lindege. Agumanaulipilimula pilimula alililya, nose agulimaja amandege galyo, uliponya iligongote. Nuku nyama yiguha nigiko, kunguno uni onyama agumana uilya inyama iyo ilihigulya ya liguha, nose agulimaja inyama na aguliponya iliguha linilo.

Ikalagu yiniyo igalenganijiyagwa kulimunhu uyo alinabhulingisiji bho guisolanya imihayo iyo iliyawiza, iyo idulile gubhambilija abhanhu ugujibheja ikaya jabho, na guileka mihayo iyo idinasolobho ijinagujibheja ikaya jinijo. Ilichiza umunhu abhize na bhumani bho guisolanya imihayo iyasolobho ahalili, na guileka iyo idinasolobho umuwikaji bho bhanhu.

Ikalagu yiniyo, yalanga bhanhu higulya ya kuisolanya imihayo iyo ilinasolobho, aho bhalili, umuwikaji bhobho, na guyileka iyo idinasobho. Ilichiza abhanhu ugubhiza na bhumani ubho guikomanya imihayo iyasolobho yiniyo, kugiki bhadule ugujibheja chiza ikaya jabho.

Ijinagonjeja, ikalagu yiniyo yalanga giki bhuli nimo gwene dugagwandyaga bho gukoyakoya, nose ukubhutongi gugadenhelaga solobho. Guti gulima, nguno ahabhutongi jiliwa jigupya.

Hangi, ikalagu yiniyo, yabhalanga abhanhu higulya ya kub’iza na wiyumilija ubho bhudulile,  nulu gung’wambilija umunhu ugugushisha chiza unimo, guti gwingila mubhulangwa bho gunkub’ija Yesu gushiga nose agupandika bhatisimu. Uwiyumilija bhunubho bhugenhaga nguzu jagugushisha unimo aha nhalikilo yago. Umunhu ng’wunuyo agaiponyaga igiti iyi olinayo, na agingilaga ng’wisana.

KITENDAWILI – TEGA.

TUMEHANGAIKIANA NA MWANA MIGU HATIMAYE NIMEMWANGUSHA – GUNZI LILILO NA MAHINDI AU NYAMA YA MFUPA.

Chanzo cha kitendawili hicho chaangalia mtu alaye mhindi. Mtu huyo, huula mhindi huo huku akiugeuzageuza, mwishowe mahindi huisha na kulitupa lile gunzi. Vivyo hivyo kwa upande wa mfupa, kwa sababu mlaji wa nyama huendelea kuila mpaka ikaisha na kubakia mfupa ambao huutupa.

Kitendawili hicho hulinganishwa kwa mtu mwenye umakini wa kuchambua kilicho kizuri pale alipo ambacho chaweza kuwasaidia watu katika kujenga familia zao, na kuyaacha yale ambayo hayana faida katika ujenzi wa familia hizo. Yafaa mtu awe na umakini wa kuchambua maneno na matendo yenye faida pale alipo, na kuyaacha yale ambayo hayana faida katika maisha ya mwanadamu.

Kitendawili hicho, chafundisha watu juu ya kuwa na umakini wa kuchagua maneno na matendo yawezayo kuleta maendeleo katika familia za zao, na kuyaacha yale ambayo hayana faida maishani mwa watu. Mtu atakiwa kuwa na umakini wa kumwezesha kuchagua kile kilicho cha maana katika kujenga familia yake, na kiyaacha yote yawezayo kuibomoa familia yake hiyo.

Zaidi ya hayo, kitendawili hicho, chafundisha watu, juu ya kuwa na ufuatiliaji mzuri wa kazi zao ili waweza kuzifikisha kwenye mwisho wake uwezao kuwapatia maendeleo pale walipo. Hii ni kutokana na ukweli kwamba, watu huhangaika kwanza, ndipo wanayafikia mafanikio yao. Mfano wa mkulima, ambaye huvumilia mahangaiko ya kulima, mpaka anapata mavuno yake.

Kitendawili hicho pia hufundisha watu juu ya kuwa na uvumilivu, uwawezeshao kuyafikia malengo yao, kama vile mwanafunzi aanzavyo mafundisho ya kumfuata Yesu, mpaka anabatizwa. Huyo kutoka gizani na kuingia kwenye mwanza. Kwa hiyo, mtu huyo, ametoa giza na kuupokea mwanza.

1Wakorintho 10:13.

Waefeso 2:1.

Waefeso 2:4-6.

Waefeso 6:10-14.

corn-

ENGLISH: I HAVE RIDDLE – LET IT COME

I HAVE WRESTLED WITH MIGU AND I HAVE EVENTUALLY THROWN HIM DOWN – MAIZE ON COB/STEAK ON BONE

The above riddle refers to a situation when a person eats maize on a maize cob. The person would eat the grain, all the while turning the cob around. When he/she is done, the bereft cob is discarded. The same is true with bone meat, whereupon the person would throw away the bone after methodically eating off its steak.lamb

The paradox is likened to a person who is meticulous enough to determine what is of value in regard to building the family, and what is worthless. It is necessary for a person to possess the capacity to analyze words and deeds, and to be able to disregard those that are worthless in human life.

That riddle teaches people about the importance of making careful choice of words and actions, which can bring prosperity in the family, and about ignoring what is worthless in people’s lives. One should be keen enough to choose what is worthwhile in building one’s family, and leave out everything that can destroy it.corn-on-the-cob

In addition, the riddle educates people about fidelity to their work all through, which is bound to ensure progress. That is due to the fact that people shall first endure trials and tribulations before achieving success, just like a farmer would endure the anxieties of cultivation before he gets his harvest.

Such paradox also instills in people the virtue of patience, a quality that enables them to achieve their goals, like a disciple who follows the teachings of Jesus until he gets baptized. Such a person leaves darkness and enters into the light, that is, the beginning of a new life.

1 Corinthians 10:13.

Ephesians 2: 1.

Ephesians 2: 4-6.

Ephesians 6: 10-14

173. KALAGU – KIZE ULU OLILA UMAMA AB’ANHU B’AYEGA B’AYIKINDIKA NA B’UYENGI – NGOMA/NDONO

Research sponsored by: Don Sybertz, with special thanks to Rev Joe Healey (African Proverbs, Sayings and Stories)

Imbuki ya jigano jinijo ililola b’ab’ini b’a mbina. Abhanhu bhenabho bhagatulaga ng’oma. Ing’oma yiniyo igalilaga b’o gutulwa b’o nguzu, aliyo ab’ab’ini bhayo b’agayegaga noyi, nduhu nulu gusunduhala igiki untuji aliiminya ing’oma yiniyo.

Ijigano jinijo jigalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo agakoyakoyaga bho gutumama miliyo yakwe bho nguzu ningi, kugiki abhanhu bhakwe, bhapandike bhuyegi. Igelelilwe munhu umo wifunye jinagumama milimo yiniyo iyo idulile gubhenhela b’uyegi abhangi abho bhang’wisanije.

Ijigano jinijo jalanga bhanhu higulya ya gwifunya gubhambilija bhangi bho gutumama miliyo iyo idulile gubhenhela bhuyegi abhanhu bhabho b’enab’o. Ib’elelile umunhu aho alili, abhambilije abhanhu bhake, nulu namugi igelelilwe  atumame b’o nguzu jakwe b’o gwifunya gubhambilija abhanhu bhakwe, kugiki bhadule gupandika bhuyegi.

Ijinagongeja, ijigano jinijo jalanga bhanhu higulya ya gukub’ija inzila ya ng’wa Yesu uyo agaluha na kucha ha nsalabha, kugiki abhapije abho bhalinzunya. Ib’elelile abho danzunya wei duyege bho gub’ina chiza ulu datulilwa ing’oma nu Yesu.

KISWAHILI: KITENDAWILI – TEGA.

BIBI ANAPOLIA WATU WANAFURAHI WANARUKA KWA FURAHA- NGOMA/ZEZE

Chanzo cha kitendawili hicho chaangalia wacheza ngoma. Watu hao hupiga ngoma ambayo hulia kwa kupigwa kwa nguvu. Lakini wachezaji wake hufurahia mno, wala hawahuzuniki kwamba mpigaji wake anaiumiza hiyo ngoma.

Kitendawili hicho hulinganishwa kwa mtu ambaye huhangaika katika kufanya kazi zake kwa nguvu nyingi, ili watu wake wapate kufurahi. Yatakiwa mmoja ajitoe kwa kufanya kazi hizo ziwezazo kuwaletea furaha watu wengi wamtegemeao.

Kitendawili hicho, hufundisha watu juu ya kujitoa kuwasaidia watu wengi kwa kufanya kazi ziwezazo kuwaletea furaha watu hao. Mtu apaswa kuwasaidia wake watu pale alipo, kama vile mzee katika familia atakiwavyo kujituma kwa nguvu zake katika kujitoa kuwafanyia kazi watu wake hao ili waweze kupata furaha.

Zaidi ya hayo, kitendawili hicho hufundisha watu juu ya kufuata njia ya Yesu aliyeteseka na kufa msalabani kwa ajili ya kuwakomboa wale wamwaminio. Twatakiwa wale tumwaminio yeye kufurahi kwa kucheza anapotupigia ngoma hiyo Bwana wetu Yesu Kristo.

Mathayo 11:16-17.

Mathayo 20:28.

Yohana 3:16-17.

1Wakorintho 14:1.

2Wathesalonike 2:15-16.

drum

ENGLISH: I HAVE A RIDDLE – LET IT COME.

WHEN THE GRANDMOTHER CRIES PEOPLE BECOME HAPPY AND THEY JUMP JOYOUSLY– DRUM/CALABASH MUSIC

The foundation of the above riddle is about music and dance. When the drummist beats the drum harder, the dancers grow more excited and the dancing gets more frenzied with the rising drum beat. The dancers do not get angry at the drummist for beating the drum hard.drummer

The puzzle is likened to a person who, through struggle and great energy, works hard so that his dependants can enjoy the fruits of his labour. It is a noble thing for someone to sacrifice and undertake difficult tasks for the sake of bringing happiness to those who rely on him/her.

The riddle teaches about the commitment to help others by undertaking tasks that can bring joy to them. One ought to help one’s people wherever one is, just as an elder in the family would be required to play a lead role in his/her commitment to work hard enough and guarantee success and happiness to his/her people.

Above all, the riddle enlightens people about the need to follow Jesus’ way of suffering and dying on the Cross for the salvation of those who believe in Him. We need to rejoice when our Lord Jesus Christ invites us to dance to His drum – by following His commandments.

Matthew 11: 16-17.

Matthew 20:28.

John 3: 16-17.

1 Corinthians 14: 1.

2 Thessalonians 2: 15-16.

172. ILELO OGWINGILAGA UNG’WINGI (NGOB’O)

Research sponsored by: Don Sybertz, with special thanks to Rev Joe Healey (African Proverbs, Sayings and Stories)

Imbuki ya kahayile kenako ililola shinu ijijigikalaga mng’obho giti: Mbiti, Naga, Nzoka na jingi ningi. Ishinu jinijo jigib’isaga munywobho yajo kunguno ya gogoha guding’wa na bhanishi b’ajo.

Ulu giki jifuma umu ng’ob’o ili jinogu nulu gunyamanijiwa na b’anisha bhajo bhenabho abho bhadulile nulu gujib’ulaga. Abhanishi bhenabho bhagayombaga ulu bhumona umo oshinu jinijo alihanze ya ng’ob’o gokwe, giki, ‘ilelo ogwingilaga ung’ob’o.’

Akahayile kenako kagalenganijiyagwa kulimunhu uyo agingaga ahakaya yakwe bho nduhu gub’iza witegeleja bhutale. Agisangaga opandikaga makoye nulu ga guding’wa na bhanishi wakwe abho bhadulile kumulaga.

Akahayile kenako kalanga bhanhu higulya ya gwikala bihi ni kaya jabho. Kabhalemeja ugugusenengela ung’wingi nulu ung’ob’o gobho kunguno ugunuyo hu b’uli b’upililo bhobho.

Ijinagongeja, akahayile kenako kabhalanga abhanhu giki: ug’wingi (ng’ob’o) gob’o ali Yesu. Ili yaya ugugusenengela kunguno bhadulile gunyamanijiwa na ng’wanishi obho ushetani.

LEO OMEONDOKA KWENYE PANGO (SHIMO)

Chanzo cha msemo huo chaangalia wanyama waishio kwenye mashimo, kama vile: Fisi, Mhanga, Nyoka na wengine wengi. Wanyama hao hujificha kwenye mapango au mashimo yao kwa sababu ya kuogopa kukamatwa na maadui zao.’

Endapo watatoka kwenye mapango au mashimo hayo itakuwa rahisi kukamatwa na adui zao hao ambao waweza kuwaua. Imaana kwamba, kama wakitoka shimoni itakuwa rahisi hata kuzingilwa na maadui zao ambao waweza hata kuuawa. Maadui hao husema endapo watamuona mmoja wao akiwa nje ya pango au shimo lake, kwamba, ‘leo omeondoka kwenye pango (shimo).

Msemo huo hulinganishwa kwa mtu ambaye huondoka kwenye makazi yake bila kuwa na umakini mkubwa. Hujikuta amepata matatizo yahatarishayo usalama wake, yakiwemo ya kukamatwa na adui zake.

Msemo huo hufundisha watu juu ya kuishi karibu na makazi yao yawezayo kulinda usalama wao. Huwakataza kuishi mbali na familia zao ambazo ndizo makazi yao yenye usalama. Watu wanasisitiziwa kutokukaa mbali na pango au shimo lao, maana hapo ni mahala pa usalama wao.

Zaidi ya hayo, msemo huo hufundisha watu juu ya kubakia kwenye makazi yao yenye usalama ambayo ni Yesu mwenyewe. Watakiwa kutokukaa mbali na Yeye kwa sababu adui yao shetani huwawinda ili awaangamize. Kwa hiyo, msemo huo wawafundisha watu kuwa: pango (shimo) lao ni Yesu Kristo. Wasikae mbali naye wasije wakazingilwa na adui yao shetani.

Zaburi 23:1-4.

Zaburi 140:1-4.

Yohana 12:26.

Yohana 15:5-10.

prairie-dogs

ENGLISH: TODAY ONE HAS LEFT THE HOLE (CAVE)

The above proverb relates to animals that live in holes or caves such as hyenas, snakes, among many others. These animals hibernate in the caves because of fear of being caught by their enemies.red-panda

If they come out of their hide-outs, they become vulnerable. That situation makes it easy to be attacked by their enemies, who can even kill them. Whenever the enemies behold them out of the cave or hole, they would say, ‘today one has left the cave (hole).’

Such proverb is likened to a person who leaves his/her abode without being cautious. Such a person finds himself/herself in problems that compromise his/her security, including the risk of being kidnapped by the enemy.

The proverb is used to urge people to live in close proximity to each other as a family so that they are secure. People are encouraged not to stay away from their cave or hole.prairie-dog

In essence, the proverb teaches people about staying in the most secure home, i.e. in Jesus Christ. They should not stay away from Him in case their enemy – Satan – ensnares them and destroys them. Thus, the proverb teaches people that their cave is Jesus Christ. They should stay as close as possible to Him to keep Satan at bay.

Psalm 23: 1-4.

Psalm 140: 1-4.

John 12:26.

John 15: 5-10.

171. NVA NA NVA JIDIKAMILAGA

Research sponsored by: Don Sybertz, with special thanks to Rev Joe Healey (African Proverbs, Sayings and Stories)

Mbuki ya lusumo lunulo ililola nva. Inva iyene ulu yukamilwa idiko gulya mujiseme jimo na ng’wichayo. Buli yene igalilaga bho ng’wi binghi, yalya bho nduhu ugwisangija lihamo. Nulu ab’ize ali ng’wana oyo idulya kihamo ung’wibinghi limo. Inva jili na kab’uyiyene umuwikaji bhojo.

Ulusumo lunulo lugalenganijiyagwa kulimunhu uyo aliminholo umuwikaji bhokwe. Umunhu ng’unuyo adahayile ugwigunana na b’iye, ku nguno ya nhungwa jakwe ijagutogwa gwikala yiyene.

Ulusumo lunulo lodulanga higulya ya kuleka nhungwa ja kutogwa gwikala yiyene. Ilichiza gwikala na kajile kagwigunana chiza na bhanhu b’igisu. Ubhusangi bhugabhambilijaga abhanhu umugwikala bho mholele na b’ichab’o.

Ijinagongeja, ulusumo lunulo lolanga bhanhu higulya ya kuleka gub’iza na kajile ka nyawa. Ilichiza abhanhu bhab’ize ni lonjo na witogwi umuwikaji bhobho umuchalo jabho, nulu umujuiya jabho.

KISWAHILI: MBWA NA MBWA HAWASHIRIKI CHAKULA KWA KUTUMIA CHOMBO KIMOJA

Chanzo cha methali hiyo chaangalia mbwa. Mbwa ana ubinafsi kwa sababu yeye hayuko tayari kula chakula kwenye chombo kimoja na mwenzake. Kila mmoja hulia kwenye chombo malumu kwa ajili yake tu.

Hawawezi kulia chombo kimoja kwa kuchangia. Hata awe mtoto wake atamkatalia kwa sababu ya tabia yake ya kupenda kuwa na ubinafsi maishani mwake. Mbwa wana ubinafsi wa hali ya juu katika maisha yao.

Methali hiyo hulinganishwa kwa mtu ambaye ni mchoyo katika maisha yake. Mtu huyo hataki kusaidiana na wenzake, kwa sababu ya tabia yake ya kupenda kukaa peke yake. Mtu huyo atawaliwa na ubinafsi katika maisha yake.

Methali hiyo hufundisha watu juu ya kuacha tabia ya ubinafsi. Tabia hiyo ni ile ya kupenda kukaa peke yao katika maisha yao. Ni vizuri kuwa pamoja na wenzao kwa kujijengea tabia ya kusaidiana nao. Umoja huo husaidia watu katika kuishi kwa amani na wenzao katika jumuiya au kijiji chao.

Zaidi ya hayo, methali hiyo, hufundisha watu juu ya kuachana na tabia za mbwa, yaani ubinafsi. Wao wanatakiwa kujijengea tabia ya kuwajali wenzao katika maisha yao kwa ajili ya kuwawezesha kuleta maendeleo katika jumuiya zao. Inawabidi wawajali wenzao kwa kukubali kusaidiana na kushirikiana nao kwa upendo.

Zaburi 10: 3-4.

Isaya 56:11.

Luka 12:15-21.

Wafilipi 2:4-6.

1Petro 4:7-11.

1Wakorintho 3:4-8.

dog

 DOGS CANNOT SHARE FOOD IN ONE BOWL

The above proverb looks at the selfish nature of dogs. A dog cannot share food in one bowl with a fellow dog because of their selfishness. Each has a separate bowl to itself.

They cannot share one plate, even with their puppies, because of their high degree of selfishness.dog-

The overhead proverb is likened to the character of a selfish person. Such a person is not supportive to others, and has a tendency to live in isolation. He/she is controlled by selfishness in his/her life.

The proverb teaches people against selfish behavior in their lives, and against seclusion. Instead, people are advised to embrace unity, which helps them co-exist in peace with their colleagues in their community.

Above all, the proverb cautions people to shun dog character: selfishness. They should instead possess self-sacrifice, which empowers communities. Similarly, they should support and co-operate with each other in a loving way.

Psalm 10: 3-4.

Isaiah 56:11.

Luke 12: 15-21.

Philippians 2: 4-6.

1 Peter 4: 7-11.

1 Corinthians 3: 4-8.

170. GASHI DUGUKOYELAGA ISHALEKWA

Research sponsored by: Don Sybertz, with special thanks to Rev Joe Healey (African Proverbs, Sayings and Stories)

Imbuki ya kahayile kenako ililola bhanhu abho bhagukoyelaga ginhu, nulu nimo uyo gub’izile guti gupya ijigugulola. Aliyo ubhunghana bhogo ukubhanhu abho bhagudeb’ile guligukulukulu.

Ligashigaga ikanza ilya gubhudeb’a ubhunghana bho nimo, nulu ginhu jinijo ukubhanhu bhenebho abho b’agujikoyelaga kulwa nguno ya bhoyi gub’iza bhalibhageni ukuginhu jinijo. Ulu bhumana chena, bhagayombaga giki ‘gashi dugukoyelaga ishalekwa.’

Akahayile kenako kagalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo agatumamaga milimo yakwe bho nduhu ugub’iza na bhukengeji bho guimana chiza imilimo yiniyo. Agisangaga onogaga sagara, kulwa gujimara inguzu jakwe kumilimo iyo idina solobho ya kub’eja kaya, nulu jumuiya yakwe. Ilichiza umunhu agudeb’e chiza unimo gokwe, hayo adinagwandya ugugutumama.

Akahayile kenako kalanga bhanhu higulya ya gwita bhukengeji bho gudula guideb’a chiza imilimo yabho, hayo bhatali ugwandya uguitumama. Ulub’ita chene, bhagudula uguitumama imilimo iyagubhenhela solobho, umuwikaji bhobho, na guileka iyo itina solobho.

Kuyiniyo lulu, akahayile kenako agayombaga munhu uyo alitumama nimo uyo gudinayo isolobho. Guti gugwita nimo gosegose uyogoiwa ugudililwa na bhiye.

KISWAHILI: KUMBE TWAHANGAIKIA KILICHOACHWA

 Chanzo cha msemo huo chaangalia watu wahangaikiao kitu ambacho kwa macho huonekana kama kipya. Lakini ukweli wa kitu hicho kwa wale wakifahamuo ni kikuukuu.

Hufika wakati wa kuufahamu ukweli wa kitu hicho ambacho watu hao hukihangaikia kwa sababu ya ugeni wao kwenye kitu hicho. Wakisha fahamu hivyo, watu hao husema hivi ‘kumbe twahangaikia kilichoachwa.’

Msemo huo hulinganishwa kwa mtu afanyaye kazi zake bila kufanya utafiti wa kutosha kuzifahamu vizuri kazi hizo. Mtu huyo hujikuta amechoka kwa kuzimalizia nguvu zake kwenye kazi hizo zisizo na faida kwenye familia au Jumuiya yake. Yafaa mtu aifahamu vizuri kazi yake kabla ya kuanza kuifanya.

Msemo huo hufundisha watu juu ya kufanya utafiti wa kazi zao kabla hawajaanza kuzifanya. Wakifanya hivyo, wataweza kuzigundua na kuzifanya kazi zile ziwezazo kuwaletea maendeleo na kuziacha zile ambazo haziwezi kuwaletea maendeleo hayo.

Kwa hiyo basi, msemo huo huusema mtu afanyaye kazi isiyo na faida, kama vile kujishugulisha na kazi yoyote ambayo wenzake waliashaiacha kuifanya.

2 Kor 5:17

Wagalatia 5:4.

people-catechist

ENGLISH: EXPENDING ENERGY ON NOTHING WORTHWHILE

The above saying is about people who spend so much energy chasing after what their eyes perceive to be new, yet in reality it is completely worthless, according to those who are aware of it.

A time comes when the truth dawns on the people as they understand how naive they were about their deceptive perception. With this realization, they would say, ‘so we are losing energy on nothing worthwhile’

The saying is likened to a person who performs his/her work without carrying out sufficient research to determine its worth. Such a person wears himself/herself down by focusing all his/her energy on unprofitable tasks in the family or in the community. It is advisable for a person to be adequately familiar with his/her job before attempting it.

The saying teaches people about the need for due diligence before embarking on anyteacher2 assignment. That would not only guarantee profitable engagements that can bring about development in families but also help shun those worthless ones that cannot lead to progress.

Thus, the saying advises people to conduct sufficient research before settling on any job. That helps ensure that they engage in profitable ones for the sake of developing the family and the community.

2 Cor. 5:17

Galatians 5: 4.