1
Mainzi mafu huvundisha marhamu ya mwuza marashi; Kadhalika upumbavu haba ni mzito kuliko hekima na heshima.
As dead flies bring a stench to the perfumer’s oil, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.
2
Moyo wake mwenye hekima upo upande wa kuume; Bali moyo wake mpumbavu upo mkono wa kushoto.
A wise man’s heart inclines to the right, but the heart of a fool to the left.
3
Naam, huyo mpumbavu tena, aendapo njiani, hupungukiwa na fahamu zake; hata humwambia kila mtu ya kuwa yeye ni mpumbavu.
Even as the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking, and he shows everyone that he is a fool.
4
Roho yake mtawala ikiinuka kinyume chako, Usiondoke mara mahali pako ulipo; Kwa maana roho ya upole hutuliza machukizo yaliyo makubwa.
If the ruler’s temper flares against you, do not abandon your post, for calmness lays great offenses to rest.
5
Liko baa nililoliona chini ya jua, nalo ni kama kosa litokalo kwake yeye atawalaye;
There is an evil I have seen under the sun—an error that proceeds from the ruler:
6
ya kuwa upumbavu huwekwa mahali pa juu sana, nao wakwasi hukaa mahali pa chini.
Folly is appointed to great heights, but the rich sit in lowly positions.
7
Mimi nimeona watumwa wamepanda farasi, na wakuu wakienda kwa miguu juu ya nchi kama watumwa.
I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves.
8
Mwenye kuchimba shimo atatumbukia ndani yake; Na yeye abomoaye boma, nyoka atamwuma.
He who digs a pit may fall into it, and he who breaches a wall may be bitten by a snake.
9
Mwenye kuchonga mawe ataumizwa kwayo; Naye apasuaye miti huona hatari katika hiyo.
The one who quarries stones may be injured by them, and he who splits logs endangers himself.
10
Iwapo chuma hakipati, wala mtu hakinoi; Ndipo hana budi kutumia nguvu zaidi. Walakini yafaa kutumia hekima, na kufanikiwa.
If the axe is dull and the blade unsharpened, more strength must be exerted, but skill produces success.
11
Nyoka akiuma asijatumbuizwa, Basi hakuna faida ya mtumbuizi.
If the snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer.
12
Maneno ya kinywa chake mwenye hekima yana neema; Bali midomo ya mpumbavu itammeza nafsi yake.
The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him.
13
Mwanzo wa maneno ya kinywa chake ni upuuzi; na mwisho wa usemi wake ni wazimu wenye hatari.
The beginning of his talk is folly, and the end of his speech is evil madness.
14
Tena, upumbavu huongeza maneno; lakini mwanadamu hajui yatakayokuwako; nayo yatakayokuwa baada yake, ni nani awezaye kumweleza?
Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming, and who can tell him what will come after him?
15
Kazi yao wapumbavu huwachosha kila mmoja, Maana hajui hata njia ya kuuendea mji.
The toil of a fool wearies him, for he does not know the way to the city.
16
Ole wako, nchi, akiwa mfalme wako ni kijana, Na wakuu wako hula asubuhi!
Woe to you, O land whose king is a youth, and whose princes feast in the morning.
17
Heri kwako, nchi, mfalme wako akiwa mtoto wa watu, Na wakuu wako hula wakati ufaao, Ili makusudi wapate nguvu, wala si kwa ajili ya ulevi.
Blessed are you, O land whose king is a son of nobles, and whose princes feast at the proper time—for strength and not for drunkenness.
18
Kwa sababu ya uvivu paa hunepa; Na kwa utepetevu wa mikono nyumba huvuja.
Through laziness the roof caves in, and in the hands of the idle, the house leaks.
19
Karamu hufanywa kwa ajili ya kicheko, Na divai huyafurahisha maisha; Na fedha huleta jawabu la mambo yote.
A feast is prepared for laughter, and wine makes life merry, but money is the answer for everything.
20
Usimlaani mfalme, la, hata katika wazo lako; Wala usiwalaani wakwasi chumbani mwako; Kwa kuwa ndege wa anga ataichukua sauti, Na mwenye mabawa ataitoa habari.
Do not curse the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich even in your bedroom, for a bird of the air may carry your words, and a winged creature may report your speech.