AND [thus it is:] We have not created heaven and earth and all that is between them without meaning and purpose, as is the surmise of those who are bent on denying the truth: but then, woe from the fire [of hell] unto all who are bent on denying the truth! 27 Do We consider the righteously striving believers equal to the evil-doers in the land? Are the pious ones equal to those who openly commit sin? 28 (It is) a Book We have revealed to you abounding in good that they may ponder over its verses, and that those endowed with understanding may be mindful. 29 We granted Solomon to David, a blessed servant of Ours and certainly the most repentant person. 30 When they brought fleet-footed chargers in the evening to show him, 31 he said, "My love of horses for the cause of God has made me continue watching them until sunset, thus making me miss my prayer". 32 Bring them back to me; so he began to slash (their) legs and necks. 33 And We certainly tried Solomon and placed on his throne a body; then he returned. 34 saying, "Lord, forgive me and grant me a kingdom that no one after me can have the like. You are All-munificent". 35 So We subjected to him the wind, that ran at his commandment, softly, wherever he might light on, 36 and all the devils who built and dived for him. 37 And others linked together in chains, 38 [Saying of Allah to Sulaiman (Solomon)]: "This is Our gift, so spend you or withhold, no account will be asked." 39 And he enjoyed, indeed, a Near Approach to Us, and a beautiful Place of (Final) Return. 40