The hypocrites seek to outwit God -- but it is He who outwits them. And when they stand up for prayer, they do so reluctantly and to be seen by others, and they hardly remember God at all. 142 Wavering between the two, neither with these nor with those. For them who are not given the guidance by God, you will never find a way. 143 Do not take deniers of the truth [who are at war with you] for your allies in preference to believers. Would you give God a clear proof against yourselves? 144 The Hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire: no helper wilt thou find for them;- 145 Except for those who repent, mend (their lives) hold fast to Allah, and purify their religion as in Allah's sight: if so they will be (numbered) with the believers. And soon will Allah grant to the believers a reward of immense value. 146 What would God do with chastising you if you are thankful, and believe? God is All-thankful, All-knowing. 147 ۞ Allah approveth not the publishment of evil speech, unless by one who hath been wronged; and Allah is ever Hearing, Knowing. 148 If you do good openly or in secret or pardon an evil, surely God is All-pardoning, All-powerful. 149 Surely those who disbelieve in Allah and His apostles and (those who) desire to make a distinction between Allah and His apostles and say: We believe in some and disbelieve in others, and desire to take a course between (this and) that. 150 These it is that are truly unbelievers, and We have prepared for the unbelievers a disgraceful chastisement. 151 As for those who believe in God and make no distinction between His Messengers, they will receive His reward. God is All-forgiving and All-merciful. 152