2. Al-Baqarah (The Cow): 204-205
There is [a kind of] man whose views on the life of this world may please you [Prophet], he even calls on God to witness what is in his heart, yet he is the bitterest of opponents. When he leaves, he sets out to spread corruption in the land, destroying crops and live-stock- God does not like corruption. (Abdul Haleem)
And of the people is he whose speech pleases you in worldly life, and he calls Allah to witness as to what is in his heart, yet he is the fiercest of opponents. And when he goes away, he strives throughout the land to cause corruption therein and destroy crops and animals. And Allah does not like corruption. (Saheeh International)
There is the type of man whose speech about this world's life May dazzle thee, and he calls Allah to witness about what is in his heart; yet is he the most contentious of enemies. When he turns his back, His aim everywhere is to spread mischief through the earth and destroy crops and cattle. But Allah loveth not mischief. (Yusuf Ali)
NOW THERE IS a kind of man whose views on the life of this world may please thee greatly, and [the more so as] he cites God as witness to what is in his heart and is, moreover, exceedingly skillful in argument. But whenever he prevails, he goes about the earth spreading corruption and destroying [man's] tilth and progeny: and God does not love corruption. (Muhammad Asad)
There are some ˹hypocrites˺ who impress you with their views regarding worldly affairs and openly call upon Allah to witness what is in their hearts, yet they are your worst adversaries. And when they leave ˹you˺, they strive throughout the land to spread mischief in it and destroy crops and cattle. Allah does not like mischief. (Mustafa Khattab)
There is a man who talks well of the world to your pleasing, and makes God witness to what is in his heart, yet he is the most contentious; For when his back is turned he goes about spreading disorder in the land, destroying fields and flocks; but God does not love disorder. (Ahmed Ali)
(About delegating political authority, remember that) among mankind there is he whose chatter on worldly affairs dazzles you, and he keeps swearing by God about what is in his heart. And he is exceedingly skillful in contending for his viewpoint. [2:8-12] But as soon as he attains political power he goes all out spreading corruption on earth. His authority results in destruction of creation, the produce of land, and labor, and the damage he does affects generations, whereas God does not love corruption and disorder. (Shabbir Ahmed)