Muromo chipfuto unopedza matura

Kana munhu achidya anofanira kucherechedza ramangwana, ukateedzera zvido zvako chete unopedza tarisiro ramangwana.

The mouth is a weasel which can deplete granaries

Providence is a virtue. One must not always succumb to their immediate desires but plan for the future too.

Our ancestors must have learnt over years or decades by observing patterns of harvest that it was not always guaranteed that with one good harvest one has escaped hunger. This is because there are a number of proverbs that relate to the issue of providence hence there was a sharp realization of the possibility of lean and hard times after periods of plenty. This particular proverb attests to similarities of the mouth and the weasel which is treacherous and sneaky. This is meant to reflect on how the mouth is capable of influencing tastes and desires and can never be satisfied because it focusses primarily on taste. Hence our elders were giving us a stern warning not to always follow our desires and tastes at the expense of providence. A rampant mouth can surely deplete future resources.

The proverb is used to caution against always falling for one’s desires and is a reminder against a culture of consumption. The proverb is also used to advise on the importance of savings and providence particularly when one is experiencing a season or time of plenty and may not be aware that this could be seasonal or momentary.