Eishes Chayil is a song sung traditionally on Friday nights. It's the last [22 verses of Mishlei/Proverbs](http://judaism.stackexchange.com/a/990/883). It speaks about a "Woman of Valor", and literally does nothing but sing her praises. Well, almost. 

Every verse is about something admirable about this woman<sup>1</sup>, except for one verse, [Mishlei 31:23](http://www.chabad.org/library/bible_cdo/aid/16402#v23) (Chabad.org):

> כג. נוֹדָע בַּשְּׁעָרִים בַּעְלָהּ בְּשִׁבְתּוֹ עִם זִקְנֵי אָרֶץ

> 23: Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits with the elders of the
> land.


While this is nice and all, this seems a little out of place; how is this a praise of the Woman of Valor?

Bonus points if you find an explanation of _why_ Shlomo Hamelech chose to phrase it this way, instead of just stating her praise directly.

<sup><sup><sub>Yes, this is a bit of a softball. But it was a real question that I had. Best answer wins.</sup></sup></sub> <!--Please don't-->


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<sup>1: Interpreted as referring to the Jewish woman, and also to the Shabbos and the Torah. </sup>