However, we find many examples of where 1 Thessalonians 5:22's wording of "appearance of evil" is used out of context by using the more narrow definition to condemn evil inferences rather than the correct interpretation condemning all forms of sin. Below are just a few examples of where even the prophets have done this -

"Brethren from henceforth let truth and righteousness prevail and abound in you, and in all things be temperate, abstain from drunkenness, profane language, and from every thing which is unrighteous and unholy, and from the very appearance of evil:"
(Joseph Smith, Communications., Times and Seasons, vol. 1 (November 1839-October 1840), Vol. 1 No. 6 April, 1840 86.)

"And while doing all the good you can, strive also to learn and improve yourself all you can at every opportunity and through every laudable available channel, shunning not only evil but every appearance of evil."
(Brigham Young, Letters of Brigham Young to His Sons, edited and introduced by Dean C. Jessee [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1974], 26.)

"We have made a covenant in our hearts with God, the Eternal Father, that we will forsake sin; that we will eschew the very appearance of evil, as far as we possibly can..."
(President Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1904, 97.)

"If you are married, avoid flirtations of any kind. ...
A good question to ask ourselves is this: Would my spouse be pleased if he or she knew I was doing this? Would a wife be pleased to know that her husband lunches alone with his secretary? Would a husband be pleased if he saw his wife flirting and being coy with another man? My beloved brothers and sisters, this is what Paul meant when he said: "Abstain from all appearance of evil" (1 Thessalonians 5:22)."
(Ezra Taft Benson, Morality [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1992], 88.)

"And I learned something else-the importance of avoiding even the appearance of evil. Though I was innocent, circumstance made me look guilty. Since this could so easily be true in many of life's situations, I made a resolution to keep even the appearance of my actions above question, as far as possible. "
(Ezra Taft Benson, The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1988], 368.)

"The prophets have taught that we should not partake of tea, coffee, tobacco, alcohol, or any substance that contains illegal drugs or harmful or habit-forming ingredients. In a world where so much of this is both acceptable and accessible, we encourage you to walk squarely on the Lord's side of the line. Do not tamper with any of these substances, nor similar products which give the 'appearance of evil' (1 Thessalonians 5:22)." (94-11)
(Howard W. Hunter, The Teachings of Howard W. Hunter, edited by Clyde J. Williams [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1997], 104.)

There are many other examples of this verse being misinterpreted by other General Authorities and Church leaders. Since the prophets are also mortal men, even they are subject to error. Many believe that they are the Lord's ventriloquist dummy whose mouth only opens when the Lord pulls the strings.

Please visit our essay - "What Do The Prophets Say About Their Words vs. Scripture?" to see their words indicating that scripture supersedes their words and that their words contradicting scripture are to be ignored. See also "Aren't The Brethren Always Right And Will Never Lead Us Astray?" for other examples of where the Brethren have said things which aren't true.

The bottom line is that the prophets have been wrong and asking the Church to follow them when they are wrong, is also wrong.