Sukuma

1524. SUKUMA: AMIITO GALIMIZA GULEB’A IMIHAYO.

Imbuki ya lusumo lunulo yifumilile kuli nimi uyo wikalaga muchalo ja Sanjo. Unimi ng’wunuyo, omishiga diyu ogandya gulima mpaka lyagwa ilimi kunguno oliamanile igiki “ijito jigayombaga noyi kulebha imihayo.” Hunagwene abhanhu abho bhamujaga inguno ya gwita chiniko obhashogejaga giki, “amiito galimiza gulebha imihayo.”

Ulusumo lunulo lugalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo alinikujo lwa golecha bhutungulija nu bhutogwa bhokwe bho gubhitila imilimo iyo agayitaga duhu. Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agiitaga yose iyo ilimubhulagani bhokwe na kajile kakwe kunguno ya likujo lyakwe linilo umuwikaji bhokwe. Uweyi agasabhaga sabho ningi noyi ahakaya yakwe yiniyo kunguno ya likujo lyakwe linilo ilyaguitimija imilimo yakwe bho gwigulambija guitumama chiza, umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agikolaga nuyo otumamaga milimo yakwe gwingila diyu mpaka lyagagwa ilimi kunguno nuweyi agigulambijaga gutumama milimo yakwe mpaga osabha sabho ningi aha kaya yakwe yiniyo umuwikaji bhokwe. Uweyi alintongeji ntungulija uyo agabholekeja abhanhu bhakwe nzila ya wiza bho gutumama milimo chiza, adiogutumila mihayo duhu. Hunagwene agayombaga giki, “amiito galimiza gulebha imihayo.”

Ulusumo lunulo, lolanga bhanhu higulya ya bhutungilija na wigulambija bho gutumama imilimo midamu. Lubhalanga gudebha igiki mihayo duhu idadulile gubheja bhutungulija kugiki bhadule guyimalamaja bho miito gabho iyo bhagayiyombaga, umuwikaji bhobho.

Yakobo 2:17.

Mathayo 7:16.

1 Yohana 3:18.

Mithali 14:23.

SWAHILI: VITENDO NI BORA KULIKO MANENO.

Asili ya methali hii ilianzia kutoka kwa mkulima aliyeishi katika kijiji cha Sanjo. Mkulima huyo alikuwa akiamka mapema asubuhi na kuanza kufanya kazi kuanzia asubuhi hadi jioni kwa sababu alijua kwamba “matendo huzungumza zaidi kuliko maneno.” Ndiyo maana watu walipomuuliza sababu ya kufanya hivyo, alijibu kwa kusema kwamba, “matendo ni bora kuliko maneno.”

Methali hii hulinganishwa kwa mtu mwenye hekima ya kuthibitisha wema wake, uaminifu, upendo, au bidii kwa kupitia kile anachofanya badala ya kile anachosema tu. Mtu kama huyo hutimiza ahadi zake na kuonesha tabia njema kwa matendo ambayo huwatendea wengine kwa sababu ya hekima yake hiyo maishani mwake. Yeye hutajirika sana katika familia yake kwa sababu ya hekima yake hiyo ya kutekeleza anachosema kwa kufanya kazi kwa bidii katika maisha yake hayo ya kila siku.

Mtu huyo hufanana na yule mkulima aliyefanya kazi zake kuanzia asubuhi hadi jioni kwa sababu naye pia hufanya kazi zake kwa bidii hadi kufikia hatua ya kuwa tajiri katika familia yake. Yeye ni kiongozi anayewahudumia watu kwa uaminifu badala ya kutoa ahadi tupu. Ndiyo maana husema kwamba “matendo ni bora kuliko maneno.”

Methali hii huwafundisha watu kuhusu: uwajibikaji, uaminifu, kuwa na bidii ya kufanya kazi ngumu. Kuelewa kuwa maneno pekee hayawezi kujenga uaminifu isipokuwa yanaungwa mkono na matendo. Kwa hiyo, watu wanapaswa kuishi kulingana na yale wanayoyasema na kuyatekeleza yale wanayohubiri.

Yakobo 2:17 “Imani yenyewe, ikiwa haina matendo, imekufa.”

Mathayo 7:16 “Kwa matunda yao mtawatambua.”

1 Yohana 3:18 “Tusipende kwa maneno au kwa usemi bali kwa matendo na kweli.”

Mithali 14:23 “Kila kazi ngumu huleta faida, lakini maneno matupu huleta umaskini.”

ENGLISH: ACTIONS ARE BETTER THAN WORDS

The original of this proverb started from a farmer who lived at Sanjo village. This farmer used to wake up and start working from morning to evening because he knew that “actions speak louder than words.” That why when people asked him a reason of doing so, he answered “actions are better than words.”

This proverb is equaled to a person who has wisdom of proving his goodness, honesty, love, or hard work through what he does instead of what he merely says. Such a person fulfills promises and demonstrates character by deeds which he does to others because of his wisdom in life. He becomes so rich at his family because of his wisdom of practicing what he says by working hard in his daily life.

This person resembles a farmer who did his works from morning to evening because he also works hard to the point of becoming rich at his family. He is a leader who serves people faithfully instead of making empty promises.That is why he says “actions are better than words.”

This proverb teaches people about: honesty, responsibility, faithfulness, and hard work. Words alone cannot build trust unless they are supported by actions. People should live according to what they say and practice what they preach.

James 2:17 “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

Matthew 7:16 “By their fruits you will know them.”

1John 3:18 “Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”

Proverbs 14:23 “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”

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.