Prophet's Paradox

D&C 21:3 "For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith."

Notice the distinction, that we are to receive the prophet's word "as if" it is from God's mouth, and not that his word "is" God's word. This leaves room for the weakness of man. Prophets cannot possibly always speak the word of God, being human and prone to error. Nonetheless, when they speak we should hear their words, for even in their imperfections they carry a mantle that demands a holy respect. I do not think this calls for blind obedience, but it does require us to engage in heavy scrutiny towards our doubts. Prophets have made mistakes and don't always speak God's word. I am not so sure God will fault us if we earnestly believe something a prophet has said is incorrect. Nonetheless, God will bless  us as we consider the prophet's words as God's words.

Thus is the paradox of imperfect beings speaking in behalf of an almighty perfect God.