The phrase "avoid the appearance of evil" has found its way into many situations in our churches. Recently I found a new way of looking at this familiar admonition. The following is taken from 1,001 More Things...About the Bible:

The apostle told Christians to "abstain from all appearance of evil" (1 Thess. 5:22 KJV)--a perfectly valid Christian idea, but not really a good translation of the Greek. People who read it in the King James Version assume it means "Don't do anything that appears evil," which is fine, but in the Greek, Paul originally meant something more like "avoid every form of evil."

(Me talking now) I like to see it as "avoid evil appearing (in the things you do) in your life."

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You have done many good things for me, Lord, just as you promised. I believe in your commands; now teach me good judgment and knowledge. Psalm 119:65-66 NLT

There is an old proverb that has much wisdom.

When you are in the watermelon patch, don't bend over to tie your shoe.

If it looks bad, don't do it.

Good advice then, and now.
I really don't understand that old proverb.

Easy english translation, please.

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Examine me, O LORD, and prove me: try my reins and my heart. Ps.26:2
It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in men.Ps.118:8

He who bends over in the watermelon patch to even engage in innocent activity such as tying a shoe will be perceived as bending over to pick and steal melons.

A fellow appeared on the Donahue Show once who was accused by a shopkeeper of "grazing" from his grape display.

The poor man said he was having problems with his dentures and that's why his mouth was moving.

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You have done many good things for me, Lord, just as you promised. I believe in your commands; now teach me good judgment and knowledge. Psalm 119:65-66 NLT