«عُمْرِ الْحَسُودْ مَا يْسُودْ»

The saying holds that a person consumed by envy will never rise to genuine leadership or high standing; its opening word works as an emphatic 'never', not a remark about age. Envy is treated as a symptom of a cramped spirit and low aspirations, at odds with the largeness of soul expected of anyone who would lead.

In practice it works as a firm, slightly scornful judgment: jealousy keeps its owner small. The envious person stays fixed on what others possess, so the proverb dismisses such a person's prospects and urges listeners to rise above resentment.

Suited to remarks about a resentful rival or colleague who belittles others' success, offered as a dismissive verdict that such a person will never earn real standing. It can also serve as a gentle warning to someone tempted by jealousy.