God's word discusses the manner in which one hears. The person who obeys the gospel has apparently developed a desirable attitude of acceptance; else, he/she would not have obeyed. "For whomever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?" {Romans 10:13,14} He who hears the Word must have a proper attitude; it is just as important as what he hears. When a person who hears God's Word fails to maintain a proper attitude, he is more easily swayed from the truth by inferior, erroneous teachings. "Therefore take heed how you hear...." {Luke 8:18}
"These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so." {Acts 17:11} What type of hearers were these people in Berea?
Free of prejudice. One who has preconceived concepts in his mind does not carefully consider the facts as they are presented. How can a person retain the words of truth if his mind is made up before he hears them? "He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him." {Proverbs 18:13} People must listen to learn -- not to hear what they think they already know and will agree with only if it is what they wish to do!
Not gullible. Gullible men are easily duped. Those who accept truth without any personal investigation into what is said do not understand the value of their souls. "Test all things; hold fast what is good." {1 Thessalonians 5:21} "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world." {1 John 4:1} The Bereans were open-minded, but they were not willing to just shallow anything preached to them. I've never understood why people will accept anything they hear concerning their salvation, but investigate thoroughly when buying a house or car.
Ready minded. "Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool." {Isaiah 1:18} We must strive to have eager hearts and to be willing to receive truth into our hearts. Satan will try to blind our hearts from seeing the truth. "But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them." {2 Corinthians 4:3,4} Too many are not ready to hear the true gospel message that can lead them to Christ.
Energetic. These were willing to expend necessary effort to find the truth in the things they heard. Yes, it takes time and effort to do the hard work associated with studying, examining, and searching to ensure the things taught are really truth. Laziness has caused many souls, because they failed to spend the time necessary to double-check what they were taught, to be led into apostasy. Study time is never wasted; it can only produce the certainty of knowing what God's word says.
We also need to develop and retain an attitude toward hearing God's words by being... Attentive (Nehemiah 8:1-3) -- listening carefully to what is being said. Reverent (Acts 10:33) -- understanding that we are in God's presence and hearing His word. Honest (Acts 13:46) -- examining and considering the evidence presented. Inquiring (1 John 4:1) -- turning the pages of your Bibles when I preach. This is your obligation, and you should take it seriously. Personal (2 Samuel 12:1-7) -- making personal application of the truth being heard. Obedient (Hebrews 5:9) -- doing what the Word calls upon us to do. Anything less than obedient hearing is a waste of time and brings us no closer to a personal relationship with God. Dear reader, what kind of attitude to you have when you hear God's Word?