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 Are We to make those who believe and do good works the same as those who corrupt the earth? Are We to make the righteous as 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 We gave unto David Solomon; how excellent a servant he was! He was a penitent. 30 [Mention] when there were exhibited before him in the afternoon the poised [standing] racehorses. 31 And he said: Lo! I have preferred the good things (of the world) to the remembrance of my Lord; till they were taken out of sight behind the curtain. 32 "Bring them back to me." then began he to pass his hand over (their) legs and their necks. 33 And certainly We tried Sulaiman, and We put on his throne a (mere) body, so he turned (to Allah). 34 He said, "O my Lord! Forgive me, and grant me a kingdom which, (it may be), suits not another after me: for Thou art the Grantor of Bounties (without measure). 35 We subjected the wind to him, so that it blew gently at his bidding, wherever he directed it, 36 And the unruly, every builder and diver (made We subservient), 37 And others bound in fetters. 38 We said: "This is Our gift, so give or withhold as you wish without reckoning." 39 And indeed for him in Our presence are, surely, proximity and an excellent abode. 40