Nhonhongora kudya chayo kukumbirirei uchi kudondi?
The big bee eating its own reserves - why now ask for honey from the small bee?
Tsanagudzo
Munhu anodada nekutsvinya, anokukumbira chinhu chaanacho kuvanhu vasina.
What the Words Say
The big bee eating its own reserves - why now ask for honey from the small bee?
What It Means
The mean and arrogant will ask for something they have in abundance from those who have nothing or a little.
Cultural Context
This is another proverb formulated as a question. This one observes the hardworking nature of bees and their ability to store their food for long periods. It was believed that the bigger the bee the more reserves it had. Hence it is very odd when the big bees begin to ask the small bees for their small reserves. This cannot be considered a genuine request but rather a means to mock the less fortunate. Our elders used this example to question and scold the fortunate for ridiculing the less fortunate. Some people in life are not comfortable with their fortune and will feel complete only when they can deride others which is not necessary. Unhu teaches us to promote the dignity of all humans regardless of their situation in life.
How It's Used
The proverb is used to reflect on the arrogance, and to chastise those in fortunate situations who seek to mock the less fortunate in a manner where they ask for resources they already have in plenty. It can also be used as advice to the fortunate that they should not be, or show signs of such arrogance.
Related Proverbs
number 29