Unfortunately, too many people fail to recognize that many of the duties outlined in Proverbs 31 are mutual; they apply to both men and women. They are part of the Christian lifestyle.
Mutual Duties Listed in Pr 31:
Be Strong
A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies (v.10). The phrase translated as “virtuous woman” or “woman of noble character” means Eshet CHAYIL in Hebrew. CHAYIL (Strong’s 2428) means to display strength. The word CHAYIL is also used to describe mighty men of valor in the Bible: Josh 1:14, 6:2; Judg 6:12; 2 Kgs 15:20. Men can and should be noble and virtuous (CHAYIL) too.
Do Good
She will do him good … (v.12). As believers, men and women are admonished to “do good” to our enemies (Lu 6:27, 35). Christian men and women are admonished to “do good” and to share with others (He 13:16).
Do No Harm
She brings him good, not harm … (v.12). Husbands are instructed to love their wives just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her (Eph 5:25). Romans 13:10 tells us that “love does no harm.” Therefore, if a husband loves his wife, he will not harm her.
Work With Your Hands
She … works with eager hands (v.13). Christian men and women are called to live a quiet lives, mind our business and “work with our hands” … (1 Th 4:11).
Clothe ourselves with strength
Strength and dignity are her clothing (v. 25). Christian men and women are told to be strong by CLOTHING ourselves with the full armor of God (Eph 6:10-18 NET).
Don’t Be Idle
She … does not eat the bread of idleness (v.27). Paul proclaimed the value of hard work and sternly warned men and women not to be idle (2 Th 3:6-12). “And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone” ( 1 Th 5:14).
Speak With Wisdom
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue (v.26). “The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just” (Ps 37:30).
Pr 10:31
Care for the Poor
She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy (v.20). Christian men and women are admonished to care for the poor and needy (Ma 25:34-40).
Fear the Lord
… a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised (v. 30). “Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commandments!” (Ps 112:1)
A Christian husband should also perform many of the duties outlined in Pr 31: displaying strength, doing their spouses good and not harm, working with their hands, not being idle, speaking wisdom, caring for the poor and fearing the Lord. Those responsibilities are simply part of the Christian lifestyle.
An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels (v. *10).
Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness; but a faithful man, who can find? Pr 20:6
That's why I've never really felt overly pressured by Pr 31 as a woman because I recognize that most of the duties listed there apply to both men and women.