Yusuf Ali
Why were there not, among the generations before you, persons possessed of balanced good sense, prohibiting (men) from mischief in the earth - except a few among them whom We saved (from harm)? But the wrong-doers pursued the enjoyment of the good things of life which were given them, and persisted in sin.

Sahih International
So why were there not among the generations before you those of enduring discrimination forbidding corruption on earth - except a few of those We saved from among them? But those who wronged pursued what luxury they were given therein, and they were criminals.

Shakir
But why were there not among the generations before you those possessing understanding, who should have forbidden the making of mischief in the earth, except a few of those whom We delivered from among them? And those who were unjust went after what they are made to enjoy of plenty, and they were guilty.

Pickthall
If only there had been among the generations before you men possessing a remnant (of good sense) to warn (their people) from corruption in the earth, as did a few of those whom We saved from them! The wrong-doers followed that by which they were made sapless, and were guilty.

محمد جالندھری
تو جو اُمتیں تم سے پہلے گزر چکی ہیں، ان میں ایسے ہوش مند کیوں نہ ہوئے جو ملک میں خرابی کرنے سے روکتے ہاں (ایسے) تھوڑے سے (تھے) جن کو ہم نے ان میں سے مخلصی بخشی۔ اور جو ظالم تھے وہ ان ہی باتوں کے پیچھے لگے رہے جس میں عیش وآرام تھا اور وہ گناہوں میں ڈوبے ہوئے تھے