We did not create heaven and earth and all that is between them in vain. That is the opinion of those who deny the truth. Woe betide those who deny the truth, when they are cast into the Fire -- 27 Shall We then treat alike those that believe and act righteously and those that create mischief on earth? Or treat alike the God-fearing and the wicked? 28 This is the Blessed Book that We have revealed to you, (O Muhammad), that people with understanding may reflect over its verses and those with understanding derive a lesson. 29 AND UNTO DAVID We granted Solomon [as a son - and] how excellent a servant [of Ours he grew up to be]! Behold, he would always turn unto Us 30 [and even] when, towards the close of day, nobly-bred, swift-footed steeds were brought before him, 31 he would say: "Verily, I have come to love the love of all that is good because I bear my Sustainer in mind!" [repeating these words as the steeds raced away,] until they were hidden by the veil [of distance - whereupon he would command,] 32 "Bring them back to me," and he began to rub and stroke their shanks and necks. 33 But [ere this,] indeed, We had tried Solomon by placing upon his throne a [lifeless] body; and thereupon he turned [towards Us; and] 34 He said: My Lord! do Thou forgive me and grant me a kingdom which is not fit for (being inherited by) anyone after me; 35 We subjected the wind to him, so that it blew gently at his bidding, wherever he directed it, 36 and also the jinn, every kind of builder and diver 37 The rest of the devils were bound in chains. 38 This is Our gift, so bestow thou or withhold, without rendering an account. 39 And verily, nearness to Us awaits him [in the life to come,] and the most beauteous of all goals! 40