Tanzania

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.

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.”

1523. SUKUMA: B’ALINIKANDIJA.

Imbuki ya kahayile kenako yandija kuli munhu uyo wikalaga muchalo ja Ng’watuju. Umunhu ng’wunuyo, witaga mihayo yawiza kunguno ya nhungwa jakwe ijawiza jinijo umuwikaji bhokwe. Aliyo lulu, abhanhu bhanhayaga shibhi kunguno ya wilu bhobho bhunubho. Hunagwene agayomba giki, “b’alinikandija.”

Akahayile kenako kagalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo alinikujo lya witegeleja bho gwiyumilija ulu bhalindukila abhiye umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Umunhu ung’wunuyo, bhaganhaga shibi na gunkolya abhangi kunguno ya wilu na bhudaki bhobho. Uweyi agiyumilija umumihayo yiniyo mpaga odula guyilela chiza ikaya yakwe yiniyo, kunguno ya likujo na witegeleja bhokwe bhunubho umukikalile kakwe kenako.

Umunhu ng’wununyo agikolaga nuyo agiyumilija aho oyombagwa shib’i na bhiye, kunguno nuweyi agiyumilijaga ulu alidalahwa na gusigwa na bhiye mpaga odula guyilela chiza ikaya yakwe yiniyo, umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Hunagwene agayombaga giki, “b’alinikandija.”

Akahayile kenako kalanga bhanhu higulya ya gubhiza ni kujo lya witegeleja bho gwiyumilija ulu bhaliyombwa shibhi na bhichabho, kugiki bhadule gujilela chiza ikaya jabho jiniyo, umuwikaji bhobho bhunubho.

Akahayile kenako kalibhizukija abhanhu giki imihayo imibhi igaminyaga ng’holo ja bhanhu, gashinaga lulu, yigelelilwe bhajitumile indemi jabho bho gubhalela chiza abhichabho, umukikalile kabho kenako.

Zaburi 34 34:13.

Mithali 16:28.

Mathayo 5:11.

Waefeso 4:29.

SWAHILI: WANANIBEZA.

Asili ya msemo huu inaweza kufuatiliwa hadi kwa mtu aliyeishi katika kijiji cha Mwatuju. Mtu huyo aliwatendea wengine mema kwa sababu ya mwenendo wake mzuri maishani mwake. Hata hivyo, watu walimsema vibaya kwa sababu ya wivu wao. Ndiyo maana alisema “wananibeza.”

Msemo huu hulinganishwa kwa mtu mwenye hekima nzuri ya kubaki mvumilivu wakati wengine wakimtukana maishani mwake. Mtu huyu hushutumiwa kwa uwongo, hukosolewa, au hunenwa vibaya na wengine kwa sababu ya wivu, chuki, au kutoelewana. Hata wakati hajafanya kosa lolote, watu huendelea kueneza maneno mabaya juu yake. Hata hivyo, yeye huweza kuwalea vyema wanafamilia wake kwa sababu ya hekima yake hiyo nzuri ya kubaki mvumilivu anapokabiliwa na matatizo katika maisha yake hayo ya kila siku.

Mtu huyo hufanana na yule aliyebaki mvumilivu na mtulivu wakati wengine wakimtukana, kumdhihaki, au kumsengenya, kwa sababu naye pia huchagua hekima na tabia njema ya kubaki mvumilivu badala ya kulipiza kisasi anapotendewa ubaya na wengine maishani mwake. Ndiyo maana yeye husema kwamba “wananibeza.”

Msemo huo huwafundisha watu kuhusu: kuepuka umbea na maneno maovu, kuheshimu hadhi ya wengine, kuwa wavumilivu wanapokabiliwa na ukosoaji, kusema ukweli na wema, pamoja na kuelewa kwamba watu wema wakati mwingine huchukiwa bila sababu.

Msemo huo huwakumbusha watu kwamba maneno yanaweza kuumiza mioyo, na watu wanapaswa kutumia ndimi zao kwa kujenga amani badala ya kuharibu mahusiano.

Zaburi 34 34:13, “Uzuie ulimi wako na uovu na midomo yako isiseme uongo.”

Mithali 16:28, “Msengenyaji hutenganisha marafiki wa karibu.”

Mathayo 5:11, “Heri ninyi watu watakapowatukana na kuwanenea kila aina ya uovu kwa ajili yangu.”

Waefeso 4:29, “Msiruhusu maneno yoyote mabaya yatoke vinywani mwenu, bali yale tu yafaayo kwa kuwajenga wengine.”

ENGLISH: THEY TALK BADLY ABOUT ME.

The original of this saying can be traced back to a person who lived in Mwatuju village. This person did good deeds to others because of his sound conduct in his life. However, people spoke against him because of their jealousy. That is why he says “they talk badly about me.”

This saying is equated to a person who has decent wisdom of remaining patient while others insult him in his life. This person is falsely accused, criticized, or spoken against by others because of jealousy, hatred, or misunderstanding. Even when he has done nothing wrong, people continue spreading negative words about him. He however, managed to nurture well his family members because of his decent wisdom of remaining patient while facing difficulties in his daily lives.

This person resembles the one who remained patient and calm while others insulted, mocked, or gossiped about him behind his back because he also chooses wisdom and good character of remaining patient instead of revenge in his life. That is why he says “they talk badly about me.”

This saying teaches people about: avoiding gossip and evil speech, respecting the dignity of others, being patient when facing criticism, speaking truthfully and kindly, as well as understanding that good people are sometimes hated without reason.

This saying reminds people that words can wound the heart, and therefore people should use their tongues to build peace instead of destroying relationships.

Psalm 34 34:13, “Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.”

Proverbs 16:28, “A gossip separates close friends.”

Matthew 5:11, “Blessed are you when people insult you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.”

Ephesians 4:29, “Do not let any harmful talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up.”