[4:82-4:83] What, do they not ponder the QurÌān? If it had been from other than God surely they would have found therein much inconsistency. * And when there comes to them an issue, be it of security, or of fear, they broadcast it. If they had referred it to the Messenger and to those in authority among them; those among them who are able to think it out (yastanbi?ūnahu), would have known it from them. And but for the bounty of God to you and His mercy, you would surely have followed Satan, except a few [of you].
'Pondering' (tadabbur) is an allusion to meanings acquired through diving into contemplations (afkār). The extraction of the jewels of meanings is through the intricacies of 'thinking it out' (istinbā?).
And when there comes to them an issue...: When they have been heedless of the Real, there is no one to whom they can transmit their secrets so they reveal the secret to each other. But for the believers, the Knower of their secrets is their Friend and Protector. They speak with Him about what comes to them and have no need to broadcast the secret to any created being. The Hearer of their whispered confidence is God and the Knower of their hidden affairs is God.
If they had referred it to the Messenger and to those in authority among them...: i.e., if they had brought their secrets to those who are intimate friends and those who are among the people of the story, they would have dispelled their doubts and would have helped them through the light of guidance and spiritual instruction.
And but for the bounty of God with His friends, they would have wandered in every wadi of separation just as those like them in outward form at that time.