Shinyanga

1530. SUKUMA: UMOTO UYO GOBHACHA NZENGANWA GUDULILE GUBHACHA NUMBA YINGI.

Imbuki ya lusumo lunulo yinginile ku likujo lya bhikaji bha Afrika. Uloyi luhoyelile munhu uyo adadilile makoye ayo gayikenagulaga kaya yingi. Amakoye geneyo nose gagashiga na ha kaya yakwe kunguno ya guleka gugadilila aho galikubhangi. Hunagwene abhanhu bhaganhugula bho guyomba giki, “umoto uyo gobhacha nzenganwa gudulile gubhacha numba yingi.”

Ulusumo lunulo lugalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo adadililaga makoye ga bhiye bho gwiganika giki, gadadulile ugunpandika uweyi, umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agagabhonaga amakoye gabhiye olema ugwambilija josejose kunguno ya bhujidalonja bhokwe bhunubho, umukikalile kakwe. Aha ngelelo yabho, amakoye genayo gagashikaga nu kubhanhu bha ha kaya yakwe gayubhakoya mpaga oduma uguginja, kunguno ya bhujidalonja bhokwe bhunubho umuwikaji bhokwe.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agikolaga nuyo agaleka gugadilila makoye gabhiye mpaga nose kuyipandika ni ikaya yakwe, kunguno nuweyi agalemaga ugugadilila amakoye gabhiye mpaga nose gabhapandika na kubhakoya abhanhu bha ha kaya yakwe yiniyo, umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Hunagwene abhanhu bhaganhugulaga bho guyomba giki, “umoto uyo gobhacha nzenganwa gudulile gubhacha numba yingi.”

Ulusumo lunulo lolanga bhanhu higulya ya gubhiza na witegeleja bho gudilila gwiyambilija gugamala wangu amakoye gabhichabho haho gatali ugukula, kugiki bhadule gwikala bho mholele umukaya jabho jinijo.

Wagalatia 6:2.

1Wakorintho 12:26.

Mithali 26:20.

Yakobo 3:5-6.

Mathayo 5:9.

SWAHILI: MOTO ULIOWASHA JIRANI HUWEZA KUWASHA NYUMBA NYINGINE.

Methali hiyo inatokana na hekima ya jadi za Kiafrika. Inazungumzia mtu aliyepuuza hatari, uovu, migogoro, au matatizo yaliyoathiri familia nyingine. Matatizo hayo yaliifikia pia familia yake kwa urahisi kwa sababu ya kuyapuuza. Kama vile moto unavyohama haraka kutoka nyumba moja hadi nyingine, matatizo katika jamii moja yanaweza kuathiri jamii nzima. Ndiyo maana watu walimwambia mtu huyo kwamba, “moto uliowasha nyumba ya jirani unaweza kuwasha nyumba nyingine.”

Methali hii hulinganishwa kwa mtu yule ambaye hupuuza mateso, migogoro, au makosa yanayowapata wengine, akifikiri kwamba hayatamwathiri kamwe. Mtu huyo huona mgawanyiko, chuki, dhambi, ufisadi, au vurugu zikiongezeka karibu naye lakini hukataa kutenda lolote, kusaidia, kuomba, au kuwaonya wengine kwa sababu ya kutojali kwake. Mwishowe, shida hiyo hiyo iliwafikia wanafamilia wake kiasi cha kushindwa kuitatua katika maisha yake.

Mtu huyo hufanana na yule aliyepuuza matatizo ya wengine hadi kufikia hatua ya kuyaruhusu yawafikie watu wa familia yake, kwa sababu naye pia hupuuza mgawanyiko, mateso, na matatizo ambayo yanawaathiri wengine hadi baadaye, uharibifu huo huo huingia katika familia yake mwenyewe. Ndiyo maana watu humuonya kwa kusema kwamba, “moto uliowasha nyumba ya jirani unaweza kuwasha nyumba nyingine.”

Methali hiyo huwapa watu mawazo kuhusu: kujaliana katika jamii kwa kutatua matatizo kabla hayajaenea, kuwasaidia majirani wakati wa shida, kuelewa kwamba mateso ya mtu mmoja yanaweza kuathiri kila mtu.

Pia inawakumbusha watu kuhusu wajibu wao wa kukuza amani, umoja, na uwajibikaji miongoni mwao.

Wagalatia 6:2. “Chukulianeni mizigo, na kwa njia hii mtatimiza sheria ya Kristo.” Mstari huu unawafundisha Wakristo kusaidiana kwa sababu matatizo yanayomhusu mwamini mmoja yanaweza pia kuathiri jamii nzima.

1Wakorintho 12:26. “Kiungo kimoja kikiteseka, vyote huumia pamoja nacho.” Mtume Paulo anaelezea kwamba waumini ni kama mwili mmoja. Maumivu au shida katika sehemu moja huathiri pia mtu mwingine.

Mithali 26:20. “Pasipo kuni moto huzimika; bila umbea ugomvi hupungua.” Mstari huu unafundisha kwamba migogoro midogo inaweza kukua kama moto ikiwa watu wataendelea kueneza chuki na mgawanyiko.

Yakobo 3:5-6. “Ulimi pia ni moto…” Yakobo analinganisha maneno ya uharibifu na moto ambao unaweza kuharibu maisha ya watu wengi ikiwa hautadhibitiwa.

Mathayo 5:9. “Heri wapatanishi; maana hao wataitwa wana wa Mungu.” Yesu anawafundisha waumini kuacha migogoro na kuleta amani kabla uharibifu haujaenea zaidi.

ENGLISH: A FIRE THAT STARTED IN A NEIGHBOR’S HOUSE CAN SET FIRE TO ANOTHER HOUSE.

This proverb comes from traditional African wisdom. It talks about a person who ignored danger, evil, conflict, or problems which affected another family. Those problems easily reached his family because of ignoring them. Just as fire moves quickly from one house to another, trouble in one community can affect the whole society. That is why people told him, “a fire that started in a neighbor’s house can set fire to another house.”

This proverb is compared to a person who ignores suffering, conflict, or wrongdoing happening to others, thinking that it will never affect him. This person sees division, hatred, sin, corruption, or violence growing around him but refuses to act, help, pray, or warn others because of his less concern. In the end, the same trouble reached his family members to point of failing to solve it in his life.

This person resembles that person who ignored problems of others to the point of letting them reach his family, because of he ignores division, suffering, and other problems which affect others until later, the same destruction enters his own family. That is why people warn his by saying, “a fire that started in a neighbor’s house can set fire to another house.”

This proverb imparts in people ideas about: caring for one another in communities by solving problems before they spread, helping neighbors during times of trouble, understanding that the suffering of one person can affect everyone.

It also reminds people about their duty of promoting peace, unity, and responsibility among people.

Galatians 6:2. “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” This verse teaches Christians to help one another because problems affecting one believer can also affect the whole community.

1Corinthians 12:26. “If one member suffers, all suffer together with it.” The Apostle Paul explains that believers are like one body. Pain or trouble in one part affects everyone else.

Proverbs 26:20. “Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.” This verse teaches that small conflicts can grow like fire if people continue spreading hatred and division.

James 3:5-6. “The tongue also is a fire…” James compares destructive words to fire that can destroy many lives if not controlled.

Matthew 5:9. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” Jesus teaches believers to stop conflict and bring peace before destruction spreads further.

1529. SUKUMA: UYO ADIZUKAGA UKO OFUMILA, AGAJIMILAGA UKO AJILE.

Ulusumo lunulo lulolile likujo lya kihalile ka jiafrika. Abhanhu bhalangagwa gwizuka imbuki ya kaya jabho, kikalile, ni nhungwa ijawiza. Abhatale bhalibhamana igiki umunhu uyo agibhaga imbuki ya mizwi yakwe agajimilaga wangu umuwikaji bhokwe. Hunagwene bhagang’wilaga giki “uyo adizukaga uko ofumila, agajimilaga uko ajile.”

Ulusumo lunulo lugalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo agalekaga imbuki ya kikalile ka bhatale bhakwe nu bhulangwa ubho bhonkuja, umuwikaji bhokwe. Umunhu ng’wunuyo, alinanhinda ja gubhulema ubhushauli bho gwita mihayo ya sagala kunguno ya gubhudalahija ubhulangwa bho bhatale bhakwe umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Uweyi agadumaga uguimala imilimo ya ha kaya yakwe kunguno ya guleka gubhudilila chiza ubhulangwa bho bhatale bhakwe, umukikalile kakwe kenako.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agikolaga nuyo agayibhaga imizwi ya bhatale bhakwe mpaka ojimila, kunguno nuweyi agabhudalahijaga ubhulangwa bho bhatale bhakwe mpaka oduma uguyimala chiza imilimo yakwe yiniyo, aha kaya yakwe, umuwikaji bhokwe. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagang’wilaga giki, “uyo adizukaga uko ofumila, agajimilaga uko ajile.”

Ulusumo lunulo lolanga bhanhu higulya ya: gwizuka isumo yabho, bho gubhakuja abhabyaji bhabho, kugiki bhadule gujilela chiza ikaya jabho, umuwikaji bhobho bhunubho.

Kumbukumbu la Torati 8:2.

Mithali 22:28.

Luka 15:17-18.

Zaburi 78:4.

Yeremia 6:16.

SWAHILI: ASIYEKUMBUKA ALIPOTOKA, HUPOTEA AENDAKO.

Methali hii inatokana na hekima ya kitamaduni ya Kiafrika. Katika jamii nyingi za Kiafrika, watu walifundishwa kukumbuka historia ya familia zao, utamaduni, mila, na maadili. Wazee waliamini kwamba mtu anayesahau mizizi yake hupoteza mwelekeo maishani kwa urahisi. Methali hiyo ilitumika sana kuwakumbusha vijana kuheshimu historia yao, wazazi, mila, na imani. Ndiyo maana wazee walimwambia yule anayesahau mizizi yake kwamba, “asiyekumbuka alipotoka, hupotea aendako.”

Methali hii hulinganishwa kwa mtu yule anayeacha mila zake kwa kupuuza ushauri mzuri kutoka kwa wazee ulioyaunda maisha yake. Mtu kama huyo huwa na kiburi kimpelekeacho kuwa na hali kuchanganyikiwa, au kufanya maamuzi mabaya kwa sababu hakumbuki tena msingi wa maisha yake. Yeye hushindwa kutimiza malengo yake katika familia yake kwa sababu ya kupuuza ushauri mzuri kutoka kwa wazee wake katika maisha yake.

Mtu huyu hufanana na yule mtu aliyesahau mizizi yake akapokea, kama msafiri anayetembea msituni bila kujua njia aliyotumia kuingia. Kwa kuwa amesahau njia aliyotoka, anapotea na hawezi kupata mwelekeo sahihi kwa urahisi. Ndiyo maana watu humuonya kwa kusema kwamba, “asiyekumbuka alipotoka, hupotea aendako.”

Methali hii huwafundisha watu kuhusu: kukumbuka asili na historia yao, kwa kuwaheshimu wazazi, wazee, na mila, kujifunza kutokana na uzoefu wa zamani, kubaki wanyenyekevu hata baada ya mafanikio, na kudumisha imani na maadili popote wanapokwenda, ili waweze kufanikiwa katika kuwalea wanafamilia wao, katika maisha yao.

Methali huwafundisha watu kwamba, mtu anayekumbuka asili yake atakuwa na hekima, mwongozo, na utulivu maishani.

Kumbukumbu la Torati 8:2. “Kumbuka jinsi Bwana, Mungu wako, alivyokuongoza njia yote jangwani miaka hii arobaini.” Mstari huu unawafundisha watu kutosahau mahali ambapo Mungu amewaleta kutoka.

Mithali 22:28. “Usiondoe mawe ya mpaka wa zamani yaliyowekwa na mababu zako.” Hii inawakumbusha watu kuheshimu misingi na mila zilizorithiwa na mababu zao.

Luka 15:17-18. Mwana mpotevu alikumbuka nyumba ya baba yake baada ya kupotea katika maisha ya dhambi. Kukumbuka nyumba yake kulimsaidia kurudi kwenye njia sahihi.

Zaburi 78:4. “Tutawaambia kizazi kijacho matendo ya sifa ya Bwana.” Mstari huu unawahimiza watu kukumbuka na kuhifadhi historia na imani yao.

Yeremia 6:16. “Simama kwenye makutano ya barabara mkaone; uliza njia za kale, uliza njia iliyo njema iko wapi, na uifuate.” Hii inawafundisha watu kufuata njia nzuri na hekima ya zamani.

ENGLISH: HE WHO DOES NOT REMEMBER WHERE HE COMES FROM, HE GETS LOST WHERE HE GOES.

This proverb originates from traditional African wisdom. In many African communities, people were taught to remember their family background, culture, traditions, and values. Elders believed that a person who forgets his roots easily loses direction in life. The proverb was commonly used to remind young people to respect their history, parents, customs, and faith. That is why the elders told the one who forgets his roots “he who does not remember where he comes from, he gets lost where he goes.”

This proverb is compared to a person who abandons his traditions, ignores good advice from elders, and forgets the struggles that shaped his life. Such a person may become proud, confused, or make wrong decisions because he no longer remembers the foundation of his life. He fails to actualize his goals at his family because of ignoring good advice from elders in his life.

This person resembles the traveler who walks into a forest without knowing the path he used to enter. Since he has forgotten the way he came from, he becomes lost and cannot easily find the right direction. That is why people warm him saying “he who does not remember where he comes from, he gets lost where he goes.”

This proverb teaches people about: remembering their roots and background, by respecting parents, elders, and traditions, learning from past experiences, staying humble even after success, and keeping faith and moral values wherever the go, so that they be successfully in nurturing their family members, in their lives.

The proverb teaches that a person who remembers his origin will have wisdom, direction, and stability in life.

Deuteronomy 8:2. “Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years.” This verse teaches people not to forget where God has brought them from.

Proverbs 22:28. “Do not move the ancient boundary stones set up by your ancestors.” This reminds people to respect the foundations and traditions handed down by their forefathers.

Luke 15:17-18. The prodigal son remembered his father’s house after getting lost in sinful living. Remembering his home helped him return to the right path.

Psalm 78:4. “We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord.” This verse encourages people to remember and preserve their history and faith.

Jeremiah 6:16. “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it.” This teaches people to follow the good paths and wisdom from the past.

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.

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.