Sukuma

1522. UYUJA NANG’HO GUJUPUNGUGIJIWA KUGIKI UYUTOB’ELA GODI YA GUGWINHA IKUJO.

Imbuki ya kahayile kenako ilolile ikanza lya bhukoloni. Ahikanza linilo ulu giki munhu alina ng’ombe ningi japungujiyagwa jasaga ngehu. Giko lulu ulu giki munhu adina ng’ombe ogabhilagwa inguno hayo nuweyi abhize nsabhi oguyutob’ela godi ya gung’wenhela ikujo lya gusab’a ng’ombe. Hunagwene umunhu nsabhi owilagwa giki, “uyuja nang’ho gujupungugijiwa kugiki uyutob’ela godi ya gugwinha ikujo.”

Akahayile kenako kagalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu nsabhi uyo alina witegeleja bho gwicholela sabho na kujitumila bho wizanholo chiza umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Umunhu ng’wunuyo agigulambijaga gutumama milimo yakwe chiza mpaka opandika sabho ja gudula gubhambilija bhanhu bhingi kunguno ya witegeleja bhokwe bhunubho umukikalile kakwe. Uweyi agadujaga gwambililja bhanhu bhingi umuchalo jakwe kunguno ya witegeleja bho gutumama milimo yakwe mpaga opandika sabho jagugunana bhiye umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agikolaga nu nsabhi o ng’ombe uyo agabhambilija bhiye mpaga nabho bhusabha kunguno nuweyi agabhutumilaga ubhusabhi bhokwe bho gubhambilija bhiye umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Hunagwene agabhawilaga abhiye bhenabho bhuli ng’wene giki, “uyuja nang’ho gujupungugijiwa kugiki uyutob’ela godi ya gugwinha ikujo.”

Akahayile kenako kalanga bhanhu higulya ya gubhiza na wigeteleja bho gwicholela sabho na gujitumamila bho gubhambilija bhichabho chiza, kugiki bhadule gujibheja chiza ikaya jabho jinijo, umuwikaji bhobho bhunubho.

2Wakorintho 9:8-9.

Yoshua 14:4.

Marko 12:44.

KISWAHILI: UWE UNAENDA NA WEWE KUPUNZIWA ILI UWE UNATOZWA KODI UPATE RIDHIKI.

Chanzo cha msemo huo huangalia kipindi cha ukoloni. Kipindi hicho, kilintaka mtu aliyekuwa na ng’ombe kuwapeleka ng’ombe wake kwa kiongozi ili wakapunguzwe na kubhaki nao wachache. Hivyo basi, mtu yule ambaye hukuwa na ng’ombe aligawiwa ili naye aweze kuwa tajiri wa kulipa kodi ya kumpatia heshima. Ndiyo maana mtu aliyekuwa na ng’ombe aliambiwa kwamba, “uwe unaenda na wewe kupunguziwa ili uwe unatozwa kodi ya kukupatia heshima.”

Msemo huo, hulinganiswa kwa mtu tajiri mwenye umakini wa kutafuta mali na kuzitumia kwa ukarimu wa kumpatia heshima maishani mwake. Mtu huyo hujibidisha kufanya kazi zake vizuri mpaka anapata mali za kumwezesha kusaidia watu wengi kwa sababu ya umakini na ukarimu wake huo katika maisha yake hayo. Yeye hufanikiwa kuwasaidia watu wengi katika kijiji chake kwa sababu ya umakini na ukarimu wake huo katika maisha yake hayo.

Mtu huyo, hufanana na yule tajiri wa ng’ombe aliyewasaidia wenzake mpaka nao wakatajirika, kwa sababu naye pia huutumia utajiri wake kwa kuwasaidia wenzake maishani mwake. Ndiyo maana yeye humwambia kila mmoja wao kwamba, “uwe unaenda na wewe kupunguziwa ili uwe unatozwa kodi ya kukupatia heshima.”

Msemo huo, huwafundisha watu juu ya kuwa na umakini wa kujitafutia mali za kuwawezesha kutumia katika kuwasaidia wenzao vizuri, ili waweze kuzilea vyema familia zao, maishani mwao.

2Wakorintho 9:8-9.

Yoshua 14:4.

Marko 12:44.

ENGLISH: YOU SHOULD ALLOW YOUR WEALTH TO BE REDUCED SO THAT YOU MAY PAY THE TAX OF RESPECT.

The origin of this saying dates back to the colonial period. During that time, people who owned many cattle were required to surrender some of their cows to local leaders so that the wealth could be shared with those who had none. In this way, poorer people could also own cattle, become economically stable, and be able to contribute taxes that earned them dignity and respect within society. Because of this practice, wealthy people were advised that, “You should allow your wealth to be reduced so that you may pay the tax of respect.”

This saying is used to describe a wealthy person who works hard to gain riches and then uses those riches generously for the benefit of others. Such a person understands that true respect does not come merely from possessing wealth, but from using it wisely and compassionately to help fellow human beings. Through seriousness, hard work, and generosity, that person succeeds in supporting many people within the community.

This person resembles a rich man who helped his companions until they also became prosperous, because he used his wealth to uplift others in his life. That is why he encourages people by saying, “you should allow your wealth to be reduced so that you may pay the tax of respect.”

This saying teaches people to work seriously in search of wealth so that they may use it to help others, support their families, and improve the well-being of their communities.

Second Epistle to the Corinthians 9:8–9

Book of Joshua 14:4

Gospel of Mark 12:44

1520. SUKUMA: B’IZAGA NA SUNGE YA NG’HANA.

Imbuki ya kahayile kenako ifumilile kukikalile kabhasuguma. Abhanhu bhenabho bhabhuchaga sunge ya jiliwa guti mandege, busiga nulu jiliwa jingi ulubhajile ku nimo guti go winga bho bhazenganwa bhabho. Hunagwene bhagiwilaga bhuli ng’wene giki, “b’izaga na sunge ya ng’hana.”

Akahayile kenako kagalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo agayegaga nijo alinajo na adikalaga na wiminholo umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Umunhu guti ng’wunuyo, agalonjaga mbango, bho gutumama milimo yakwe bho bhutungilija na wizanholo kunguno ya nhungwa jakwe ijawiza jinijo, umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Uweyi agabhalelaga chiza abhanhu bha ha kaya yakwe yiniyo kunguno ya bhutungilija bhokwe bhunubho, umukikalile kakwe kenako.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agikolaga na bhasuguma abho bhagachala sunge ukuwinga bho mazenganwa bhabho, kunguno nuweyi agabhalelaga chiza abhanhu bha ha kaya yakwe mpaka bhakula chiza, umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Hunagwene agang’wilaga bhuli ng’wene giki, “b’izaga na sunge ya ng’hana.”

Akahayile kenako kalanga bhanhu higulya ya gubhiza na bhutungilija bho guyega na ginhu ijo bhalinajo, na kutumama milimo yabho bho wizanholo na widohya, kugiki bhadule kujilela chiza ikaya jabho umuwikaji bhobho bhunubho.

Wafilipi 4:11–12.

1 Timotheo 6:6.

Waebrania 13:5.

Mithali 15:16.

SWAHILI: UWE NA ZAWADI YA KURIDHISHA.

Asili ya msemo huo inaweza kufuatiliwa hadi kwenye maisha ya kitamaduni ya wasukuma. Watu hawa hubeba chakula kwenye ndoo zao wanapoenda kwenye sherehe za majirani zao zikiwemo zile za harusi kama michango yao kwenye sherehe hizo. Ndiyo maana wao huambiana kwamba “uwe na zawadi ya kuridhisha.”

Msemo huo hulinganishwa kwa mtu yule ambaye huridhika na kile alicho nacho na haishi na uchoyo au wivu usioisha maishani mwake. Mtu kama huyo huthamini baraka, hufanya kazi kwa uaminifu, na huepuka malalamiko yasiyo ya lazima kwa sababu ya tabia yake hizo njema maishani mwake. Yeye huwalea vyema wanafamilia wake kwa sababu ya uaminifu wake huo katika maisha yake ya kila siku.

Mtu huyo hufanana na wale wasukuma waliotuma zawadi nzuri kwenye harusi za majirani zao kwa sababu naye pia huwalea vyema wanafamilia wake kama zawadi yake kwao, maishani mwake. Ndiyo maana huwafundisha kwa kusema “uwe na zawadi ya kuridhisha.”

Msemo huo huwafundisha watu kuhusu kuridhika, kuwa na shukrani, unyenyekevu, na amani ya moyo. Unawakumbusha kwamba kuridhika huleta furaha, huku uchoyo mara nyingi ukileta migogoro, wivu, na huzuni. Mtu mwenye shukrani huthamini baraka za Mungu na anaheshimu ustawi wa wengine.

Wafilipi 4:11–12. “Nimejifunza kuridhika katika hali yoyote.”

1 Timotheo 6:6. “Utauwa pamoja na kuridhika ni faida kubwa.”

Waebrania 13:5. “Ridhika na ulicho nacho.”

Mithali 15:16. “Afadhali kuwa na kidogo pamoja na kumcha Bwana, kuliko kuwa na mali nyingi pamoja na masumbufu.”

ENGLISH: HAVE A GIFT OF SATISFACTION.

The origin of this saying can be traced back to the traditional life of the Sukuma people. These people carry food in their bucket while going to their ceremonies like weddings of their neighbors as their contributions to such party. That is why they encourage one another by saying “have a gift of satisfaction.”

This saying is compared to a person who is content with what he or she has and does not live with endless greed or jealousy in life. Such a person appreciates blessings, works honestly, and avoids unnecessary complaints because of his sound behavior in life. He nicely nurtures his family members because of his being honest in his daily life.

This person resembles those who sent nice gifts to the weddings of their neighbors because of he also nurtures well his family members in his life. That is why he encourage them by saying “have a gift of satisfaction.”

This saying teaches people about contentment, gratitude, humility, and peace of heart. It reminds them that satisfaction brings happiness, while greed often brings conflict, envy, and sorrow. A thankful person values God’s blessings and respects the welfare of others.

Philippians 4:11–12. “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”

1 Timothy 6:6. “Godliness with contentment is great gain.”

Hebrews 13:5. “Be content with what you have.”

Proverbs 15:16. “Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.”

1519. SUKUMA: NOMO LOMO AGULISAMULAGA.

Akahayile kenako kahoyelile munhu nomo lomo uyo agasambajaga mihayo ya bhulongo kubhangi. Umunhu ng’wunuyo agaponanjaga mihayo ya bhulongo kubhangi iyo igasambalaga wangu kunguno ya kuiyombela habhanhu bhingi giti munhu uyo agalutaga mawe bho nduhu ugumana uko galigwila. Hunagwene abhanhu bhaganhayaga giki, “nomo lomo agulisamulaga.”

Akahayile kenako kagalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo agasambajaga wangu mihayo ya bhulomo lomo bho nduhu ugudilila amafumilo gayo, umukikalile kakwe kenako. Umunhu ng’wunuyo, adayiganikaga chiza iyo idulile gwenhelejiwa na mihayo yakwe iya bhulongo yiniyo kunguno ya nhungwa jakwe ijabhubhi jinijo umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Uweyi agayiminyaga sagala ikaya yakwe kunguno ya kusambaja mihayo ya bhulongo iyo igenhaga widumi ukubhanhu bhakwe bhenabho, umukikalile kakwe kenako.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agikolaga nu nomo lomo uyo oyombaga mihayo ya bhulongo bho nduhu ugudebha amafumilo gayo, kunguno nuweyi agayombaga mihayo ya bhulongo mpaga obhenheleja gwiduma abhanhu bhakwe bhenabho umuwikaji bhokwe. Hunagwene abhanhu bhakwe bhaganhayaga giki, “nomo lomo agulisamulaga.”

Akahayile kenako kalanga bhanhu higulya ya gubhiza na witegeleja bho kuleka kuyomba mihayo ya bhulongo ukubhichabho, kugiki bhadule kujilanga chiza ikaya jabho jinijo, umuwikaji bhobho bhunubho.

Mithali 12:22.

Waefeso 4:25.

Yakobo 3:5.

Katika Mithali 12:19.

SWAHILI: MUONGO ANALIRUSHA.

Msemo huu unamzungumzia mwongo anayeeneza maneno ya uongo kwa wengine. Mtu huyu hutupa maneno yake ya uongo kwa wengine ambayo huenea haraka kwa sababu ya kuzungumza mbele ya watu kama mtu anayetupa mawe bila kujua yatatua wapi. Ndiyo maana watu husema “muongo analirusha.”

Msemo huu hulinganishwa kwa mtu yule ambaye hueneza uongo haraka na bila kujali matokeo yake, katika maisha yake. Mtu kama huyo hafikirii madhara ambayo maneno yake yanaweza kusababisha kwa wengine kwa sababu ya tabia yake hiyo mbaya maishani mwake. Yeye huwajeruhi wanafamilia wake kwa sababu ya kuwatupia maneno hayo ya uongo ambayo husababisha migogoro na mgawanyiko kati yao, katika maisha yake.

Mtu huyo hufanana yule muongo aliyesema maneno ya uongo bila kujua matokeo yake, kwa sababu naye pia hufurahia kusema uongo unaowadhuru wanafamilia wake hadi kusababisha mkanganyiko na mgawanyiko kwao kati yao. Ndiyo maana wanafamilia wake hao husema kwamba “muongo analirusha.”

Msemo huu huwafundisha watu kuhusu hatari ya kusema uongo na kusambaza taarifa za uongo. Inaonya kwamba uongo unaweza kusafiri haraka na kusababisha madhara makubwa, hata unaposemwa kwa upole. Inahimiza ukweli, uwajibikaji katika usemi, na kufikiria kwa makini kabla ya kusema.

Mithali 12:22 “Bwana huchukia midomo ya uongo, bali hupendezwa na watu waaminifu.”

Waefeso 4:25 “Kwa hiyo kila mtu aache uongo na aseme kweli na jirani yake.”

Yakobo 3:5 “Ulimi ni kiungo kidogo cha mwili, lakini hujisifu sana.” Ulimi unaelezewa kuwa mdogo lakini wenye nguvu, unaoweza kusababisha madhara makubwa, kama moto.

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

Msemo huu unatukumbusha kwamba maneno yana nguvu yakitolewa, hayawezi kudhibitiwa kwa urahisi. Kwa hivyo, hekima iko katika kusema ukweli na kulinda ulimi wa mtu.

ENGLISH: THE LIE IS THROWING IT

This saying talks about a liar who spreads false words to others. This person throws his false words to others which spreads quicks because of speaking infront of people like someone who throws stones without knowing where they will land. That is why people say “the lie is throwing it.”

This saying is compared to a person who spreads lies quickly and carelessly, in his life. Such a person does not consider the harm their words may cause to others because of his wicked behavior in life. He injures his family members because of throwing those false words to them which cause conflicts and division to them, in his life.

This person resembles the liar who spoke false words without knowing their consequences, because he also enjoys speaking lies which injure his family members to the point of causing confusion and division to them. That is why his family members say “the lie is throwing it.”

This proverb teaches people about the danger of lying and spreading false information. It warns that lies can travel fast and cause great harm, even when spoken lightly. It encourages truthfulness, responsibility in speech, and careful thinking before speaking.

Proverbs 12:22 “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”

Ephesians 4:25 “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor.”

James 3:5 “The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.” The tongue is described as small but powerful, capable of causing great harm, like a fire.

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

This saying reminds us that words have power once released, they cannot be easily controlled. Therefore, wisdom lies in speaking the truth and guarding one’s tongue.

1518. SUKUMA: BAGUSOLEJA AB’A MINZA.

Imbuki ya lusumo lunulo ifumilile kubhab’inza abho bhali bhalishilimu. Abhanhu bhenabho bhigemeja nzila ja bhatemi bhangi ija kubhatongela abhanhu bhabho bho nduhu ugwiganika chiza ukunhu bhalijibhisa ijabho kugiki bhadizujigemeja abhangi. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagayomba giki, “bagusoleja ab’a minza.”

Ulusumo lunulo lugalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo agimejaga ginhu kubhiye umo bhalitila bho nduhu ugwiganika chiza umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agalondelaga kajile, nhungwa, nulu bhulamuji bho bhangi kunguno ya giki duhu abhangi bhagitaga chine. Uweyi agaikenagulaga ikaya yakwe kunguno ya gwigemeja nhungwa ja bhangi bho nduhu ugwiganika chiza umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agikolaga na b’aminza abho bhigemejaga nzila ja bhatemi bhangi, ugubhatongela abhanhu bho nduhu ugwiganika chiza, kunguno nuweyi agimejaga nhungwa ja bhangi ugubhatongela abhanhu bhakwe mpaga oyikenagula ikaya yakwe yiniyo, umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagang’wilaga giki, “bagusoleja ab’a minza.”

Ulusumo lunulo lolanga bhanhu higulya ya solobho ya gubhiza ni kujo, na witegeleja ubho gudula gubhambilija gubhiza na nhungwa jawiza kugiki bhadule gujilela chiza ikaya jabho jinijo, umuwikaji bhobho bhunubho.

Warumi 12:2.

1 Wakorintho 11:1.

SWAHILI: WA MINZA WATAIGA.

Asili ya methali hii yaweza kufuatiliwa hadi kwa watu wa minza ambao walikuwa wajanja. Watu hawa kwa kawaida waliiga njia za wafalme wengine za kutawala watu wao huku wakificha zao ili wasiigwe na wengine. Ndiyo maana watu walisema kwamba, “wa minza wataiga.”

Methali hii hulinganishwa kwa mtu yule ambaye ni mwepesi wa kuiga kile ambacho wengine wanafanya bila uelewa wa kina au tafakari ya kibinafsi. Mtu kama huyo hufuata mitindo, tabia, au maamuzi kwa sababu tu wengine wanafanya hivyo. Yeye huwapotosha wanafamilia wake kwa sababu ya kuiga tabia bila kufikiria kwa makini vya kutosha kujua kilicho sahihi maishani mwake.

Mtu huyo hufanana na watu wa minza ambao waliiga njia za wafalme wengine za kutawala bila kujua kinachowahusu, kwa sababu naye pia huiga matendo mema na mabaya bila utambuzi, kama vile mtoto anayeiga kila kitu anachokiona, au umati unaoelekea upande mmoja bila kuuliza kwa nini, hadi kufikia hatua ya kuwapotosha wanafamilia wake maishani mwake. Ndiyo maana watu humwambia kwamba, “wa minza wataiga.”

Methali hiyo huwafundisha watu kuhusu: umuhimu wa hekima, uhuru, na utambuzi. Inaonya dhidi ya kuiga bila kufikiri na inawahimiza watu kufikiri kwa makini vya kutosha kuchagua kilicho sahihi, na kukuza uelewa wao wenyewe badala ya kuiga wengine tu.

Katika Biblia, Warumi 12:2 inafundisha: “Msiifuatishe mfano wa ulimwengu huu, bali mgeuzwe kwa kufanywa upya nia zenu.”

1 Wakorintho 11:1 inahimiza kuiga, lakini kwa busara: “Fuateni mfano wangu, kama mimi ninavyoiga mfano wa Kristo.”

Mfano wa Yesu Kristo unaonyesha kwamba kuiga kunapaswa kuelekezwa kwenye haki, si kwa upofu kuelekea tabia za kibinadamu.

Methali hii ya Sukuma inatukumbusha kwamba kuiga kuna nguvu kwa sababu kunaweza kujenga au kuharibu. Kwa hivyo, mtu lazima achague kwa uangalifu ni nani na nini cha kuiga.

 

ENGLISH: “THE MINZA PEOPLE WILL IMITATE.”

The origin of this proverbs can be traced back to the minza people who were cunning ones. These people normally imitated other kings’ ways of ruling their people while hiding theirs to be imitated by others. That is why people say “the minza people will imitate.”

This proverb is compared to a person who is quick to copy what others are doing without deep understanding or personal reflection. Such a person follows trends, behaviors, or decisions simply because others are doing so. He misleads his family members because of imitating behaviors without thinking carefully enough to know what is right in his life.

This person resembles the minza people who imitated other kings’s ways of rulling without knowing what is relevant to them, because he also imitates both good and bad actions without discernment, much like a child copying everything they see, or a crowd moving in one direction without asking why, to the point of misleading his family members in his life. That is why people tell him, “the minza people will imitate.”

This proverb teaches people about: the importance of wisdom, independence, and discernment. It warns against blind imitation and encourages people to think carefully enough to choose what is right, and develop their own understanding instead of merely copying others.

In the Bible, Romans 12:2 teaches: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

1 Corinthians 11:1 encourages imitation, but wisely: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”

The example of Jesus Christ shows that imitation should be directed toward righteousness, not blindly toward human behavior.

This Sukuma proverb reminds us that imitation is powerful because it can build or destroy. Therefore, one must choose carefully whom and what to imitate.

1517. SUKUMA: MINO NAGAB’ISA.

Imbuki ya lusumo lunulo ifumilile kuli munhu uyo agolecha mino gakwe bho guseka ulu alihanze ya numba yakwe. Umunhu ng’wunuyo ogabhisaga amino gakwe genayo ulu oshiga aha kaya yakwe kunguno ya gubhisa ginhu ijo adatogilwe abhangi bhajibhone. Hunagwene agayomba giki, “mino nagab’isa.”

Ulusumo lunulo lugalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo adolechaga hape sagala inguzu, likujo lyakwe, nu bhulingisilo bhokwe umukikalile kakwe kenako. Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agajolechaga inguzu na masala gakwe ahikanza ilo ligelelilwe gubhalanga gwikala chiza abhanhu bhakwe kunguno ya likujo lwakwe linilo umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Uweyi agadujaga ugubhatongela chiza abhanhu bha ha kaya yakwe kunguno ya gubhutumila hikanza liza ubhudula bhokwe bhunubho umukikalile kakwe kenako.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agikalola nuyo agolecha mino gakwe hikanza lilebhe na gugabhisa ahikanza ilyawiza ugwita chene, kunguno nuweyi agabhutumila ubhudula na masala gakwe ahikanza lwa gubhatongela chiza abhanhu bha ha kaya yakwe, umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Hunagwene agayombaga giki, “mino nagab’isa.”

Ulusumo lunulo lolanga bhanhu higulya ya gubhiza na witegeleja bho gutumila bhudula na masala gabho bho gubhatongela chiza abhanhu bhabho, kugiki bhadule kujilela chiza ikaya jabho, umuwikaji bhobho bhunubho.

Mithali 12:23.

Mathayo 6:6.

1 Samweli 16:7.

SWAHILI: MENO NIMEYAFICHA.

Asili ya methali hii yaweza kufuatiliwa kutoka kwa mtu aliyeonesha meno yake kwa kucheka alipokuwa nje ya nyumba yake. Mtu huyo aliacha kuonesha meno yake hayo baada ya kufika nyumbani kwake kwa sababu ya kuficha kitu ambacho hapendi kuwaonesha wengine. Ndiyo maana alisema kwamba “meno nimeyaficha.”

Methali hii hulinganishwa kwa mtu yule ambaye haoneshi waziwazi nguvu, hekima, au nia yake kila mahali maishani mwake. Mtu huyu hufichua nguvu, uwezo na akili yake kwa wakati unaofaa kwa sababu ya hekima yake hiyo maishani mwake. Yeye hufanikiwa kuwaongoza vyema wanafamiliya wake kwa kuwalea vyema kwa sababu ya hekima yake hiyo ya kufichua uwezo wake kwa wakati unaofaa maishani mwake.

Mtu huyo hufanana na yule aliyefichua meno yake kwa kucheka wakati fulani na kuyaficha kwa wakati unaofaa, kwa sababu naye pia hutumia uwezo na akili yake kwa kuwalea vyema wanafamilia wake kwa wakati unaofaa maishani mwake. Ndiyo maana yeye husema kwamba “meno nimeyaficha.”

Methali hii huwapa watu mawazo ya unyenyekevu, hekima, na kujizuia. Inawatia moyo wasijisifu au kuonesha kila kitu walichonacho, bali kutenda kwa busara na kufichua uwezo wao pale inapobidi. Pia inawaonya wengine wasiwadharau watu kulingana na mwonekano wa nje, kwa sababu nguvu zilizofichwa zinaweza kuwa na nguvu sana maishani mwa mtu aliyenazo.

Mithali 12:23: “Mtu mwerevu huficha maarifa, lakini moyo wa wapumbavu hutangaza upumbavu.” Hii inaonesha wazo la “meno yaliyofichwa,” ambapo hekima huwekwa kimya badala ya kuoneshwa.

Mathayo 6:6: “Bali wewe usalipo, ingia chumbani mwako, funga mlango, umwombe Baba yako asiyeonekana.” Hii inaonesha thamani ya kufanya mambo kwa siri badala ya kujionesha.

1 Samweli 16:7: “Mwanadamu hutazama mwonekano wa nje, lakini Bwana hutazama moyo.” Hii inasisitiza kwamba kilichofichwa ndani ya mtu ni muhimu zaidi kuliko kile kinachoonekana nje.

Kwa hiyo msemo “meno nimeyaficha” unatukumbusha kwamba nguvu na hekima ya kweli hazionekani kila wakati. Mtu mwenye busara anajua wakati wa kukaa kimya na wakati wa kutenda, na hatupaswi kamwe kuwahukumu wengine kwa mwonekano wa nje pekee.

 

ENGLISH: “I HAVE HIDDEN TEETH.”

The original of this proverb can be traced back from a person who showed his teeth by laughing while he was outside of his house. This person stoppped showing his teeth after reaching at his home because of hiding something which he does not like to show to others. That is why he said “I have hidden teeth.”

This proverb is equated to a person who does not openly show his strength, wisdom, or intentions every where in his life. This person reveales his power, ability as well as intelligence at the right time because of his wisdom in life. He manages to nicely lead his members by nurturing them because of his wisdom of revealing his ability at the right time in his life.

This person resembles the one who revealed his teech by laughing at the certain time and hiding them at a right time, because he also uses his ability and intelligence by nurturing his family members at the right time in his life. That is why he says “I have hidden teeth.”

This proverb imparts in people ideas of humility, wisdom, and self-control. It encourages them not to boast or display everything they have, but to act wisely and reveal their abilities when necessary. It also warns others not to underestimate people based on outward appearances, because hidden strength can be very powerful.

In the Book of Proverbs 12:23: “A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly.” This reflects the idea of “hidden teeth,” where wisdom is kept quietly rather than displayed.

In the Gospel of Matthew 6:6: “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.” This shows the value of doing things in secret rather than for display.

In the First Book of Samuel 16:7: “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” This emphasizes that what is hidden inside a person is more important than what is seen outside.

Therefore the saying “I have hidden teeth” reminds us that true strength and wisdom are not always visible. A wise person knows when to remain silent and when to act, and we should never judge others by appearance alone.