Comparisons
Replaces は particle in comparisons.
嘘をつかわなったはいい 嘘をつかわない方がいい It's better not to lie (lit. the 'Not using lies'-way is good)
For comparing thing A to thing B, often used in conjunction with より.
日本語を読むより、話す方が上手だ。 I am better at speaking Japanese than I am at reading
納豆より、たくあんは好き 納豆より、たくあんの方が好き I prefer takuan over natto.
昨日より今日の方が暑いです。 Today will be warmer than yesterday.
It is better to (...)
The thing you are comparing it too is often omitted.
（勉強するより）休んだ方がいいよ ○ 休んだ方がいいよ ○ It's better to take a rest.