Whenever We sent a prophet to a town, We took up its people in suffering and adversity, in order that they might learn humility. 94 Then We exchanged in place of the bad [condition], good, until they increased [and prospered] and said, "Our fathers [also] were touched with hardship and ease." So We seized them suddenly while they did not perceive. 95 And had the people of the dwellings believed and been pious, We would have surely opened for them the blessings from the sky and from the earth, but in fact they denied, and We therefore seized them on account of their deeds. 96 Do the people of the cities feel secure Our might shall not come upon them at night while they are sleeping? 97 Or, do they feel secure against the coming of Our punishment upon them in the forenoon while they are at play? 98 Did they consider themselves secure from the retribution of God? No one can have such attitude except those who are lost. 99