Tafsir of Ash-Shura 42:42

(The way is only against those who wrong the people): This specifies those upon whom the "way" (blame/punishment) falls, following the negation of that [blame] from those who defend themselves. The intended meaning of "those who wrong the people" is those who initiate injustice against them, or those who exceed [the bounds] in retaliation and transgress what has been set for them. Some have interpreted this as those who do to others what they do not deserve, which is more general.

(And commit outrage upon the earth without right): That is, they act haughtily therein with arrogance and corruption.

(Those): Who are described by wrongdoing and outrage without right,

(shall have a painful punishment):

(Because of their wrongdoing and their outrage.) The intended meaning of these wrongdoers and transgressors is the disbelievers. It has also been said: it encompasses them and others. Regarding the words of the Almighty: